Florida Child Protection Investigator (CPI) Certification Practice Test

The hormone primarily responsible for activating the body's "fight or flight" response is adrenaline, also known as epinephrine. When faced with a perceived threat, the adrenal glands release adrenaline into the bloodstream, leading to immediate physiological changes that prepare the body to respond to danger. This includes increased heart rate, heightened blood pressure, and enhanced energy supply to muscles, allowing for quick reactions.

Cortisol plays a role in the body's stress response but functions differently. While it does help to regulate metabolism and manage stress over longer periods, it is not the primary initiator of the immediate "fight or flight" response. Instead, cortisol is released more gradually and assists in prolonged stress management rather than the acute response triggered by adrenaline.

Love and growth hormone do not directly relate to the fight or flight response, making them less relevant in this context. Adrenaline's role in executing swift bodily reactions to stressors is fundamental, solidifying its position as the key hormone in this response.