L5 - Fight/Flight Response

Question 1

What is the The Sympathomedullary Pathway?

Answer 1

• Sympathetic Nervous System triggered by hypothalamus

- Hypothalamus sends signal to adrenal medulla, and that releases adrenaline

Question 2

What does adrenaline do?

Answer 2

• Increase heart rate
• Constrict blood vessels
• Raise bp
• Divert blood from skin, kidneys, digestive system to brain and muscles
• increases respiration + sweating

Question 3

What does The Parasympathetic Nervous System do?

Answer 3

• Dampens stress response
• Slows heartbeat + reduces blood
• Digestion restarts

Question 4

Evaluation (+)

Answer 4

• Makes sense from evolutionary perspective because of threats
• Adrenaline is essential in preparing the body for stress. People with malfunctioning adrenal glands do not have a normal fight/flight response

Question 5

Evaluation (-)

Answer 5

• First reaction is freeze not fight or flight, involves a person stopping/looking/listening
• Females tend and befriend in times of stress, protecting offspring and seeking out social groups for defence. Oxytocin makes them stay and protect offspring
• Males tend and befriend also. During 9/11, both males and females called loved ones and tried to help each other