Fight Or Flight Reaction To Muscle Tension

As soon as danger is recognized, our body muscles immediately tense for action, ready to fight or run away. They tense like a sprinter waiting for the signal to go. This is a reflex action which short-cuts the brain because it has to be instant (remember this muscle tension when we come to consider how relaxation can diminish the alarm reaction). The message of danger is received by the brain and dramatic changes are then initiated by the hypothalamus. This is the remarkable centre which integrates all the functions of the body which are not normally under our conscious control.

How The Body Responds To Fight Or Flight

The hypothalamus coordinates all the different activities of the body. It is situated just above the pituitary gland which is often referred to as the leader of the endocrine gland orchestra because it stimulates all the other glands into action. The message is passed on by the hypothalamus to the pituitary and, by means of hormones, the body is then alerted for action to prepare it for vigorous physical activity . Every part of the body is involved.  It is all under the control of the sympathetic nervous system which is responsible for action to meet possible danger, and the parasympathetic which is concerned with restoring the body to peaceful activity after an emergency.

Muscle Tension Is a Symptom of Stress

One of the symptoms of stress is by excessive of muscle tension. As such, in a fight or flight reaction the muscles, heart, lungs and brain have priority and all other systems have to take second place in the emergency.

More Effects Of Stress