Final answer:
The increase in physiological activities such as heart rate and blood pressure due to stress is known as the fight-or-flight response. This response prepares the body to confront or escape danger by releasing adrenaline and cortisol during the alarm reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The body's stress reaction which includes an increase in heart rate, respiration, blood pressure, and serum cholesterol is known as the fight-or-flight response. This response is a physiological reaction to perceived threats and is part of the body's survival mechanism. It is triggered by the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, releasing adrenaline to prepare the body to either fight the danger or flee from it.
The fight-or-flight response can be broken down into several stages:
- The initial alarm reaction or the immediate response to stress.
- The stage of resistance is where the body adapts to the stressor.
- The stage of exhaustion occurs if the stress continues over a longer term.
During the alarm phase, hormones like adrenaline and cortisol are released to prime the body for quick action.