During the fight or flight response, what happens to the functioning of the digestive and immune systems?

During the fight or flight response, the body undergoes a series of physiological changes aimed at preparing an individual to either confront or escape from a perceived threat. This response is governed by the sympathetic nervous system and is characterized by the release of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.

The functioning of the digestive and immune systems experiences a reduction because these systems are not critical for immediate survival during a high-stress situation. The body reallocates resources towards systems that are essential for quick physical responses, such as increased heart rate, enhanced blood flow to muscles, and heightened alertness. This means that while the body is under stress, it prioritizes immediate energy and physical readiness over digestion and immune responses, which can be seen as non-essential for acute survival.

Therefore, the correct answer highlights that during the fight or flight response, the digestive and immune systems do not operate at full capacity, as energy and focus are redirected towards more urgent, survival-related tasks.