Final answer:
The fight-or-flight response takes place during the alarm reaction stage of the general adaptation syndrome, involving an involuntary reaction mediated by the sympathetic nervous system and adrenal hormones like epinephrine.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fight-or-flight response occurs during the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS), known as the alarm reaction stage. This response is an involuntary human body response that is mediated by the nervous and endocrine systems. Under this response, stressors prompt the body to either engage in conflict or escape a perceived threat.
When facing stressors, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, which leads to the release of hormones such as epinephrine and norepinephrine. These hormones prepare the body for physical activity, either to fight for survival or to flee from danger, increasing the heart rate, dilating pupils, and producing other physiological changes to cope with the threat.
This response has evolved over time to ensure that a person's internal environment remains stable despite external stressors. While originally identified for its role in immediate physical threats, the response is also associated with modern-day stressful situations and can lead to anxious feelings.