Fight or Flight response

Question 1

What is a stressor and stress stimulus

Answer 1

Stressor - Stimulus that leads to cortisol production
Stress - Response to stress hormone/stressor

Question 2

What are acute and chronic stressors

Answer 2

Acute stressor - Short term stressor e.g. being late
Chronic stressor - Long term stressor e.g. paying debts

Question 3

What does the amygdala do

Answer 3

Activates when someone is under threat
Sends distress signal to hypothalamus to warn the body of potential danger

Question 4

What does the hypothalamus do

Answer 4

Communicates with the rest of the body through the SNS
When stress response occurs, signal is sent to pituitary and potentially adrenal gland(medulla) if it’s short term stress

Short term stress produces fight or flight response via Sympathomedullary pathway(SAM)
Long term stress is regulated by Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system (HPA)

Question 5

Describe how acute stressors affect the body through SAM

Answer 5

Stressful situation occurs

Amygdala sends distress signal to hypothalamus. Hypothalamus communicates with autonomic nervous system(SNS)

Hypothalamus activates sympathomedullary pathway (connects adrenal medulla and sympathetic nervous system)

SNS stimulates adrenal gland

Adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline in blood stream

Adrenaline prepares body for fight or flight e.g. increased heart rate

PNS prepares for rest and digest

Question 6

Describe how chronic stressors affect the body through the HPA

Answer 6

HPA is activated when brain perceives continuous threat

Brain detects stressor and hypothalamus produces CRH which travels through blood to pituitary gland

Pituitary gland releases ACTH which travels through blood to adrenal cortex

ACTH stimulates adrenal gland to produce cortisol which maintains blood sugar/ effects e.g. low pain sensitivity and helps deal with continuous stress
Cortisol can harm immune response/cognitive performance if too much is released

Question 7

Evaluate the fight or flight response

Answer 7

Females may adopt a tend and befriend response rather than fight or flight - beta bias - Taylor

First response may be freeze rather than fight or flight

Fight or flight may not be appropriate for modern day stressors e.g. debt

Men can also tend and befriend the way women do as shown during 9/11