What is the body's response triggered by stress or fear commonly referred to as?

The body's response triggered by stress or fear is commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response. This term describes the physiological and psychological changes that occur when an individual perceives a threat. When faced with stress or danger, the body prepares to either confront the threat (fight) or flee from it (flight). This reaction is rooted in evolutionary survival mechanisms, allowing individuals to respond quickly to life-threatening situations.

During the fight or flight response, several physiological changes occur, including increased heart rate, heightened alertness, and the release of stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These changes enable a person to either defend themselves or escape from danger quickly and efficiently.

The other options refer to different physiological states or responses. "Rest and digest" refers to the body's relaxation response, which promotes digestion and energy conservation, and is typically associated with the parasympathetic nervous system. "Calm and collect" is not an established physiological term and does not refer to a specific bodily response. "Stress response" is a broader term that encompasses various reactions to stress, including the fight or flight response, but does not specifically highlight the immediate and instinctive nature of the fight or flight reaction. Thus, "fight or flight" most accurately captures the essence of