Biopsychology: topic 5 ‘fight or flight response’ Flashcards
what is the role of the hypothalamus in the fight or flight response?
- directs the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system to send neurotransmitters to the adrenal medulla
- the hypothalamus is crucial in initiating the body’s response to stressors
what neurotransmitter is released into the bloodstream during the fight or flight response?
- adrenaline and noradrenaline
what physiological reactions are triggered by the release of adrenaline?
- increased heart rate and blood pressure so that oxygen is pumped to the muscles to enable increased physical activity
what happens to non-emergency bodily processes during the fight or flight response?
- they are suppressed
- leads to dry mouth and changes in stomach activity
what is the role of the parasympathetic branch of the ANS after a threat has passed?
- returns the body to normal
- helps restore calm and normal bodily functions
what are the 6 effects of the sympathetic state?
- increases heart rate
- increases breathing rate
- dilates pupils
- inhibits digestion
- inhibits saliva production
- contracts rectum
What are the 6 effects of the parasympathetic state?
- decreases heart rate
- decreases breathing rate
- stimulates digestion
- constricts pupils
- stimulates saliva production
- relaxes rectum
true or false: the fight or flight response is triggered by chronic stress
- false
- the fight or flight response is typically a reaction to acute stressors in the environment
what is the primary function of the adrenal medulla in the fight or flight response?
- releases adrenaline and noradrenaline
what is the memory aid to remember the fight or flight response?
Aliens - acute stressor in the environment
Have - hypothalamus (brain)
Somehow - sympathetic nervous system
Always - adrenal medulla / gland
Adored - adrenaline hormone
Foam - fight or flight response
Parties - physiological reactions
