BIOPSYCH ( FIGHT OR FLIGHT)

Question 1

Outline the fight or flight response

Answer 1

A sequence of activity within the body that is triggered when the body prepares itself for defending or attacking ( fight) or running away to safety ( flight ). This involves changes in the nervous system and secretion of hormones that are necessary to sustain arousal

Question 2

outline the role of the amygdala

Answer 2

The amygdala associates sensory signals with emotions such as anger or fear and sends a ‘distress signal’ to the hypothalamus

Question 3

outline the role of the hypothalamus

Answer 3

releases CRH into the bloodstream in order to initiate and regulate stress response activating the HPA axis

Question 4

outline the role of the pituitary gland

Answer 4

releases ACTH ( stimulates release of cortisol) into the bloodstream , and from there to it’s target sites

Question 5

outline the role of the SNS

Answer 5

The SNS prepares the body for the rapid action associated with fight or flight

Question 6

outline the role of the PNS

Answer 6

the PNS dampens down the stress response when the threat has passed.

Question 7

outline the role of the adrenal medulla / adrenaline

Answer 7

The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into the bloodstream , causing physiological changes eg increased heart rate and release of blood sugar

Question 8

outline the role of the adrenal cortex

Answer 8

releases stress hormones , including cortisol , in response to stress

Question 9

outline the role of the feedback system

Answer 9

monitors cortisol levels so that CRH and ACTH production is inhibited if cortisol is too high