endocrine system. fight or flight Flashcards
endocrine glands
produce and secrete hormones, they regulate activity of cells
pituitary gland: role
influence the release of hormones in other glands
pituitary gland: location
under the hypothalamus
pituitary gland: controlled by
hypothalamus
negative feedback is
when pituitary gland and hypothalamus produce too much = negative feedback, which stops hormone levels from rising too high
the way endocrine system regulates hormones:
signal is sent from Hypothalamus to Pituitary gland to release hormones. Pituitary releases ‘stimulating hormone’ and it signals to a target organ e.g. Adrenal Gland. It secretes its hormone and releses into the bloodstream. Then Hypothalamus shuts down the signal to Pituitary and Pituitary shuts down the release of harmones into blood.
it slows down the secretion of targeted organ and results in stable concentration of hormones circulation.
anterior pituitary gland
releases ACTH as a response to stress
ACTH
stimulates production of cortisol in Adrenal gland
location of adrenal glands
on top of the kidneys
Components of Adrenal Gland
adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla
adrenal cortex
outer section of each adrenal gland; secretes cortisol and aldosterone.
produces hormones crucial for living
cortisol production is the response
to stress
if low level of cortisol
low blood pressure
poor immune system
inability to deal with stress
aldosterone responsible for
mantaining blood volume and blood pressure
adrenal medulla
inner part of the adrenal gland
which produces hormones for Fight or flight
hormones produced by adrenal medulla
adrenaline and noradrenaline
adrenaline
response to stress, increase heart rate (affect heart more)
Noradrenaline
increases blood pressure, constricts blood vessels (affects blood more)
stress mobillises _____
amygdala
chronic stress
HPA
acute stress takes the path of
SAM
SAM pathway
Sympathetic n.s -> adrenal medulla -> adrenaline/noradrenaline -> increase breathing, heart rate, blood pressure -> triggers the release of glucose and fats to supply energy -> when the stress has gone-> Parasympathetic n.s. slows down everything and renews functions like digestion.
HPA pathway
hypothalamus releases CRH -> pituitary gland stimulated ->ACTH released ->adrenal gland ->
adrenal Cortex-> Cortisol -> increased blood pressure, energy from fats, immune system suppressed
eval 1 top
research contains gender bias in it
eval 1 point
gender bias
specifically Beta bias, as it minimises the difference between men and women. By testing only males it assumes that women will have the same algoritm of Fight or flight when facing stress. However, to improve we need to face the differnces and test both genders
eval 1 double
gender bias
Taylor et al (2000) tested women and found that their reaction differs. It involves protecting themselves and the younger ones through nurturing behaviour - tending. and looking for someone who can support - befriending.
women may have a differnt repsond because evolutionary they are the primary caregivers of children.
eval 1 tail
gender bias and Taylor et al 2000
so if something dangerous happens - it puts at danger not only them but the offspring as well.
it is being explained by the higher level off Oxitocin in females.
eval 2 top
extra step
Grey added that the first reaction to stress is not a Fight or Flight
eval 2 tail
extra step
the advantage of adopting this repsond is that ‘freez’ focuses the attention on the real danger and makes us look for new information, in order to produce the best responce for that particular threat.
eval 2 point
extra step
the initial first respond was named ‘freez’ - which menas to ‘stop, look, listen’. This observation was made through animal study and humans. The body becomes alter to the slightest sign of danger.
eval 3 top
sex differences
Lee and Harley 2012 have found genetic differences to the fight or flight repsond
eval 3 tail
sex differences
while the absence of SRY gene may create a differnt rapond to a stressfull situation. Resulting in ‘tend and befriend’ behaviour.
eval 3 point
sex differences
the SRY gene has been found on the Y chromosom only - it directs male development and promotes agression. Therefore in the stresful situation SRY stimulates release of hormones like adrenaline, which activate organs that are associated with fight ot flight e.g increased heart rate, rapid breathing.
