p1 - topic 6: polyvagal theory

Question 1

sinus node

Answer 1

frequency defines heart rate

Question 2

two tracks the vagus nerve runs on

Answer 2

dorsal vagus
ventral vagus

Question 3

dorsal vagus

Answer 3

ancient system that controls rest and digest

Question 4

ventral vagus

Answer 4

newest evolutionary function, myelinated axons that start from the nucleus ambiguous
allows us to use our social capacities

Question 5

neuroception through the nervous system

Answer 5

safety
danger
danger to life

Question 6

safety - spontaneous connection with others

Answer 6

eye contact, facial expressions, support visceral homeostasis
myelinated vagus of parasympathetic ns

Question 7

danger

Answer 7

defense (mobilisation), fight / flight response
sympathetic ns

Question 8

danger to life

Answer 8

defense (immobilisation), freeze
nonmyelinated vagus of parasympathetic ns

Question 9

what can make behaviour maladaptive in the polyvagal theory?

Answer 9

problems with neuroception (interpreting situations as life threatening even when they’re not)
disturbed development of functional subsystems
inflexible functioning of vagal brake

Question 10

williams syndrome

Answer 10

safety when there’s none

Question 11

criticisms for polyvagal theory

Answer 11

edwin taylor: claims there’s no scientific evidence for distinct functions of myelinated and nonmyelinated vagus, no 100% anatomical match
pvt says one system is more primitive than the other, but no evidence

Question 12

emotional tolerance window

Answer 12

hyperarousal zone: fight/flight -> sympathetic activation
optimal arousal zone: ventrovagal social reaction
hypoarousal zone: dorso vagal immobilisation reaction

Question 13

biphasic emotional reaction

Answer 13

going from hyper to hypoarousal –> problem when optimal zone is narrow