Biopsychology: Adrenaline and Fight or Flight response

Acute stressor

• short term stressors where fight or flight is activated

• body responds via the sympathomedullary pathway (SAM)

Chronic stressor

• long term stressor

• Pituitary adrenal system activated

Body’s response to acute stress (Part 1)

Body appraises the situation using its sensory systems and stored memories

The hippocampus and amygdala try to recognise emotional reactions to stimuli amd access stored memories for potential danger

Body’s response to acute stress (Part 2)

If the situation is appraised as potentially stressful the hypothalamus is alerted

The hypothalamus recognises the stress as acute so….

Body’s response to acute stress (Part 3)

…The sympathomedullary (SAM) pathway is activated

branch of the autonomic nervous system that goes straight to the adrenal medulla

Body’s response to acute stress (Part 4)

Stimulates the adrenal glands (specifically the adrenal medulla)

Body’s response to acute stress (Part 5)

The adrenal medulla secretes the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline

Body’s response to acute stress (Part 6)

Once the hormones enter the bloodstream they regulate various bodily processes in order to prepare the body for fight or flight

Effects of adrenaline ‘Fight or Flight’

• Pupils dilate

• Increase in heart rate and raised blood pressure

• Reduced activity in digestive system

• Increase in blood flow to muscles for muscular tension

• Increase in respiration (breathing) rate

• increase in perspiration (sweat)

Countershock ‘Rest and Digest’

• Constrict pupils

• Slow heartbeat

• Constrict airways

• Stimulate stomach activity

• Inhibit glucose release