Fight or Flight

Question 1

What happens in step 1 of the sympathomedullary pathway?

Answer 1

An event is perceived as an acute stressor by the brain and the hypothalamus is activated

Question 2

What happens in step 2 of the sympathomedullary pathway?

Answer 2

The sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system is activated

Question 3

What happens in step 3 of the sympathomedullary pathway?

Answer 3

The adrenal medulla is stimulated and it releases adrenaline and non adrenaline

Question 4

What happens in step 4 of the sympathomedullary pathway?

Answer 4

These cause blood pressure, heart rate and sweat production to increase, the body is then ready for fight or flight

Question 5

What happens in step 1 of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal pathway?

Answer 5

An event is perceived as a chronic stressor by the brain and the hypothalamus is activated

Question 6

What happens in step 2 of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal pathway?

Answer 6

The pituitary gland is activated which then releases the stress hormone ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone)

Question 7

What happens in step 3 of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal pathway?

Answer 7

This stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol

Question 8

What happens in step 4 of the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal pathway?

Answer 8

These hormones suppress the immune system and increase energy levels

Question 9

What are 4 evaluation points?

Answer 9

• Empirical support
• Objective measure
• Reductionist
• Beta bias