
One in five reported exposures to at least three ACEs. This study found that children that endured Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) were at significant risk of succumbing to stress-related illnesses (2).Īlmost 66% of the CDC-Kaiser Permanente study participants reported exposure to at least one ACE. The CDC-Kaiser Permanente Adverse Childhood Experiences Study identified other trauma exposure statistics even beyond our military communities. While our high concentration of military veterans may not be common, there are certainly other trauma exposures that can trigger those in the workforce. With the collective past trauma exposure to our staff, it is inevitable that at some point behaviors and responses might become escalated. With that said, trauma exposure is something we need to be aware of. This high concentration of military veterans has given us an incredibly dedicated and talented team. While I work in the private sector, the majority of those I currently lead have prior military experience. In this article, we will further explore the science behind the fight or flight hormone response. In the last article, our new pup began to give us a glimpse of the triggering effect that can drastically change behavior. It allows us to respond long enough to potentially get out of danger by either fighting or fleeing.With over half of all adults experiencing some trauma in their lifetime and almost 8% of the population experiencing PTSD, it is likely leaders will encounter the effects of the fight or flight hormone response (1). It signals different parts of the body and causes different reactions in different systems. Why Is Adrenaline Important?Īdrenaline is an efficient messenger with an important role in the fight-or-flight response. Digesting a burger is not exactly a priority during an emergency situation. This shuts down supply to the digestive system to give priority to musculoskeletal system. In the Digestive SystemĪdrenaline causes vasoconstriction to the blood supply of the digestive system. Adrenaline also binds to a receptor that causes the contraction of sweat glands, resulting in perspiration.
#FIGHT OR FLIGHT HORMONES SKIN#
This is why the hair on the surface of your skin rises when you are under physical or emotional stress. In the SkinĪdrenaline binds to receptors on the smooth muscle cells in the skin, causing them to contract. During a fight-or-flight reaction, it is important for oxygen, glucose, hormones, and other chemicals to be able to circulate much faster throughout the body to the cells that need them. The purpose of increasing the rate of inspiration and expiration is to allow the body to absorb more oxygen into the bloodstream and expel more carbon dioxide.Īdrenaline stimulates the cells of the heart so that it beats faster, increasing the heart rate. Adrenaline also causes dilation of the arterioles and speeds up the breathing rate. This relaxes the smooth muscles and allows more oxygen to diffuse into the blood. In the LungsĪdrenaline binds to receptors on the smooth muscle cells of the bronchioles, causing them to dilate. This is important because glucose can be quickly broken down to produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is an energy source for cells. Glucose molecules are then transported to muscle cells to provide a boost of energy. This process is known as glycogenolysis and leads to a rise in blood sugar levels. An enzyme called glycogen phosphorylase is released in the liver cells to break down glycogen into individual glucose molecules. In the LiverĪdrenaline binds to surface receptors of the liver to trigger a pathway inside liver cells. This is important because in the presence of a threat, you would want a clear view of your surroundings. This causes the pupils to become dilated to allow more light into the eye for brighter and sharper images. In the eye, adrenaline binds to adrenoceptors, resulting in the contraction of the radial muscle of the iris. The Duke of York Accused of Crime: Frederick (Not Andrew) I n the Eye
