the fight or flight response

Question 1

how is the fight or flight response stimulated

Answer 1

When an individual experiences a threat the amygdala is mobilised. Then the amygdala sends a signal to the hypothalamus, communicating with the rest of the body with the sympathetic nervous system.
The body’s responses to stressors involves two major systems, one for acute stressors such as personal attack and chronic stressors such as a stressful job.

Question 2

what is the response to acute stressors

Answer 2

when the SNS is triggered, it begins the process of preparing the body for the rapid action nesscary for Fight or flight. The SNS sends a signal through to the adrenal medulla, which responds by releasing the hormone adrenaline into the blood stream.
Adrenaline cause physiological changes to the body (increased BP etc.) also releasing sugar into the blood.
Once the threat has passed the PNS dampens the stress response. making the body go back to its normal functions.

Question 3

what is the response to chronic stressors

Answer 3

if the Brain continues to perceive something as threatening, the second system kicks in. As the initial surge of adrenaline subsides, the hypothalamus activates a stress response system called the HPA axis.
In response to a continued threat the hypothalamus releases a chemical messenger CRH which is released into the bloodstream.
On arrival at the pituitary gland, CRH causes the pituitary to produce and release ACTH which is transported in the BS.
ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release various stress related hormones, such as cortisol, which is responsible for several affects on the body that are important in the F-F response.
This is a continuing circuit.

Question 4

what is some negative evaluation for the fight or flight response

Answer 4

Taylor et al suggested that, for females, behavioural responses to stress are more characterised by a pattern of tend and befriend than fight or flight. Women may have a completely different response to coping with stress because of their responses evolved in the context of being the primary caregiver of their children.
Thus is typically based upon males, also beta Bia as research wad predominantly on males
-was useful explaining our ancestors lives but now may lack temporal validity, as Stresses of modern life rarely require such levels of physical activity, as modern life experiences more chronic stressors that acute stressors, and so lead to an increase in BP and cardiovascular issues etc.

Question 5

what is some supporting evidence fo the fight or flight response

Answer 5

-A genetic basis to sex differences in the fight or flight response. Lee and Harley have found evidence of a genetic basis for gender differences in the fight or flight response. The SRY gene, found exclusively on the male Y chromosome, directs male development, promoting aggression and resulting in the fight or flight response to stress. They suggest that the SRY gene may prime males to respond to stress in this way by the release of hormones into the bloodstream. This also may explain hwy women do not show signs of fight or flight as it is found on the Y chromosome which women don’t have.