The Fight or Flight Response

Flashcards about the fight or flight response

What two systems work together to produce the fight or flight response?

The endocrine system and autonomic nervous system

When is stress experienced?

When a person cannot cope in their environment

What are the two major systems involved in the fight or flight response?

Sympathomedullary (SAM) pathway and Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis

What type of stressors activate the Sympathomedullary (SAM) pathway?

Acute, short-term stressors, e.g. physical attack

When a stressor is perceived, what part of the brain is activated?

The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.

What hormones does the adrenal medulla release?

Adrenaline and noradrenaline

What type of stressors activate the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis?

Chronic, long-term stressors, e.g. a stressful job

What does the hypothalamus stimulate the pituitary gland to release (HPA axis)?

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).

What hormone does ACTH stimulate the adrenal cortex to release?

Cortisol

What are the effects of cortisol release?

Triggers the release of stored glucose from the liver and suppresses the immune system.

According to Gray (1988), how is fight or flight a limited explanation?

The first response to danger is a freeze response and then assess the situation to decide the best course of action

What is beta bias and androcentrism in the context of fight or flight research?

Research was typically conducted on males and findings generalized to females.

According to Taylor et al. (2000), what response do females adopt in stressful situations?

Females adopt a tend and befriend response. More likely to protect their offspring and form alliances with other women.

How can the repeated activation of the fight or flight response affect our health in modern society?

It can negatively affect our health and result in conditions such as heart disease.

Diagram for SAM fight or flight

Feature	SAM System (Acute Stress)
Type of Stress	Short-term (e.g. public speaking)
System Activated	Sympathetic Nervous System
First Gland Involved	Hypothalamus
Next Step	Activates adrenal medulla
Hormone Released	Adrenaline and noradrenaline
Gland that Releases It	Adrenal medulla
Effects on Body	Increased heart rate, breathing, etc.
Duration of Response	Immediate, short-term

Diagram for HPA fight or flight

Feature	HPA Axis (Chronic Stress)
Type of Stress	Long-term (e.g. ongoing job pressure)
System Activated	Endocrine System
First Gland Involved	Hypothalamus
Next Step	Stimulates pituitary gland
Hormone Released	ACTH → then cortisol
Gland that Releases It	Adrenal cortex
Effects on Body	Releases glucose, suppresses immunity
Duration of Response	Slower, longer-lasting

How is PTSD practical application for fight or flight

Post-traumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that can arise after one has suffered a traumatic experience. The parasympathetic nervous system may not successfully return the body to a resting state after the traumatic event has passed – the adrenaline and cortisol levels may remain escalated for days.