fight or flight Flashcards
how was the fight or flight response developed?
evolution
when is the fight of flight response triggered ?
in a potentially stressful situation
what is initially triggered in the fight of flight response?
the amygdala
what does the amygdala do?
responds to sensory input (what we see, hear, smell, etc.) and connects sensory input with emotions associated with the fight or flight response (e.g. fear and anger).
If the situation is deemed as stressful/dangerous, the amygdala sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus
what happens after the amygdala sends a distress signal and a short response is required ?
sympathomedullary pathway (SAM pathway) is activated, triggering the fight or flight response.
what part of the nervous system does the amygdala deal with?
sympathetic nervous system
explain the steps in acute stress?
a person enters a potentially stressful situation ->the amyglada is activated and sends a signal to the hypothalamus ->the hypothalmus activates the symmpathomedullary pathway .the pathway running along the adrenal medulla and the SNS-> the SNS stimulates the adrenal medulla ->the adrenal medullla secretes the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood stream -> physiological symptoms takes place -> parasympathetic nervous system returns body to original state reversing the effects
why would the heart rate increase ?
increase blood flow to organs increase movement of adrenaline around the body
why would the pupils dilate ?
to allow light into the eye and increase vision
why would the breathing increase?
increase oxygen intake
why would the sweat production increase?
regulate temp
what happens in the chronic stress response?
a person enters a potentially stressfull situation -> sensory information received by the amyglada -> amyglada sends a distress signal to the hypothalmus ->hypothalmus releases a chemical called CRF -> CRF causes the pituitary gland to secrete ATCH -> Adrenal cortex release several diffrent hormones including a hormone called cortisol -> cortisol increases energy levels , suppresses immunity and lowers sensitivity to pain
