The Fight or Flight Response

Question 1

What is the Fight or Flight Response?

Answer 1

• An early evolutionary adaptation that is useful in dealing with physical threats
• Helps us deal with short-term problems that can be solved by fighting or running

Question 2

Explain how the Fight or Flight Response occurs (Sympathomedullary pathway)

Answer 2

• It is triggered by the amygdala, which sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus
• The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system
• The Sympathetic Nervous system sends an electrical signal to the adrenal medulla in the adrenal gland
• The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into the bloodstream
• Adrenaline causes increases in heart rate, breathing and blood pressure, do more oxygen reaches the heart and muscles
• Digestion is halted, saliva inhibited, pupils dilate (preparing body for fight or flight)
• This hormone stimulates the sympathetic ganglia, keeping activity at a high level

Question 3

What it’s the amygdala?

Answer 3

• A part of the limbic system which evaluates the emotional importance of sensory information and prompts an appropriate response

Question 4

Explain how the Pituitary Adrenal System works (rest and digest)

Answer 4

• The Hypothalamus releases CRF (which activates the pituitary gland)
• The pituitary gland releases ACTH, which activates the adrenal cortex
• This then releases corticosteroids (e.g. Cortisol)
• The activation of this system inhibits the release of adrenaline, and returns it’s body to its resting state