Fight Or Flight

Question 1

Describe the fight or flight process

Answer 1

• person under threat and body goes into overdrive preparing to defend,attack, run
  -amygdala is activated and sends signals to hypothalamus
  -hypothalamus activated the sympathetic adrenalmeduallary pathway SAM which sends signals to adrenal medulla
• adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and neuroadrenaline causing a number of physiological changes

Question 2

What are the 2 major stressors and explain them

Answer 2

Chronic stressors- ongoing- long term form of stress in response to emotional pressures ie stressful job
Acute stressors- sudden- common form of stress in response to immediate pressures ie personal attack ie personal attack

Question 3

Describe the HPA axis

Answer 3

Hypothalamus stimulates pituitary gland releasing ACTH
- causes adrenal cortex to release cortisol for several effects in the body associated with fight or flight ie burst of energy

Question 4

Describe the physiological changes in fight or flight

Answer 4

Increased heart rate- to increase blood flow to organs and increase movement of adrenaline around the body
Increased breathing rate- increase oxygen uptake
-pupil dilation- to increase light entry to eye and enhance vision
- sweat production- regulate temperature
-increased attention and alertness