Adrenaline And The Fight Or Flight Response

Question 1

What is the fight or flight response

Answer 1

The body’s response to stress

Question 2

Appraisal of stressor

Answer 2

Body appraises the situation using its sensory systems and stored memories - hippocampus and amygdala recognise emotional reactions to stimuli and access stored memories for potential danger
If the situation is potentially stressful - hypothalamus is learned - SAM pathway

Question 3

What is the body’s response to acute / immediate stress

Answer 3

The sympathomedullary pathway
(SAM)

Question 4

The SAM pathway

Answer 4

1. Situation perceived as stressful due to memories, emotions or instincts etc
2. Hypothalamus altered
3. SAM pathway is activated
4. Stimulates the adrenal gland
5. Adrenal medulla secretes hormones - adrenaline and noradrenaline
6. These prepare the body for fight of flight

Question 5

Bodily effects of fight or flight

Answer 5

Increasing heart rate
Increasing blood pressure
Expand air passages
Enlarging pupils in eyes
Alerting metabolism

Question 6

Why is there an increase in perspiration with fight or flight

Answer 6

Helps the body cool down quicker
Sweat evaporates - prevents body from overheating
Allow us to continue fleeing from danger without becoming exhausted from heat

Question 7

Why is there an increase in respiration with the fight or flight response

Answer 7

Increase the amount of oxygen you take - need higher levels to fight or flee
Oxegyn used by the muscles to make energy for fighting or fleeing danger

Question 8

Why is there an increase in blood flow to the muscles in the fight or flight response

Answer 8

Efficiently circulate oxygen and nutrients to muscles for fighting or fleeing
Support body for quick action

Question 9

Why do pupils dilate in the fight or flight response

Answer 9

Allows more light to enter eyes so can see surrounding better
Be more observant of the threat

Question 10

Why is there an increase in heart rate and raised blood pressure in the fight or flight response

Answer 10

Efficiently circulate the blood with oxygen and nutrients to muscles
Enables energy to be pumped round body quicker

Question 11

Why is there reduced activity in the digestive system in the fight or flight response

Answer 11

Conserves energy and resources needed elsewhere
Processes within the digestive system are temporarily halted to allow these resources to be used