Stress / Fight or Flight Flashcards

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1
Q

Fight or Flight

A
  • A stress response that is hard wired into our brains
  • Comes from evolutionary adaptation designed to help organism survive danger
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2
Q

Amygdala

A
  • Processes threatening stimuli
  • Sends distress signal to hypothalamus when exposed to threat, which coordinates F/F response by communicating with the body through the sympathetic NS
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3
Q

Acute Stress

A
  • Short term stress
  • Acute stressors dealt with by Sympathomedullary Pathway (SAM)
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4
Q

Steps of Acute Stress

A

1) Amygdala receoves distress signal, transfers to hypothalamus
2) Hypothalamus activates adrenal medulla
3) Medulla secretes Adrinaline
4) Adrenaline leads to arousal of Sympathetic NS and reduced activity in Parasympathetic NS
5) Once threat is over, Parasympathetic NS takes over and balances body
6) No negative effects, survival value

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5
Q

Chronic Stress

A
  • Stress that continues for extended period of time without stopping
  • Hypothalamic-Pituitary- Adrenal (HPA) axis deals with chronic stressors
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5
Q

Steps of Chronic Stress

A

1) Stressor activates HPA axis
2) Hypothalamus releases CRH (Corticotropin-releasing hormone), which acts as central regulator
3) CRH makes anterior pituitary gland release ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic hormone)
4) ACTH binds to receptors in adrenal cortex, where cortisol is released

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6
Q

Positive actions of Cortisol

A
  • Releases stored glucose from the liver for energy
  • Reduces swelling after injury
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6
Q

Negative actions of Cortisol

A
  • Suppresses immune system
  • Impairs cognitive function
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