Sympathomedullary Pathway (SAM Pathway)

Vocabulary flashcards reviewing the anatomical structures, pathways, and hormones involved in the SAM pathway stress response.

Amygdala

A part of the limbic system that is activated when a person enters a stressful or dangerous situation, sending a distress signal to the hypothalamus.

Hypothalamus

A brain structure that receives a distress signal from the amygdala and activates the sympathomedullary pathway (SAM pathway).

Sympathomedullary pathway (SAM pathway)

The pathway running to the adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), activated by the hypothalamus in response to stress.

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

The nervous system branch activated via the SAM pathway that stimulates the adrenal medulla.

Adrenal medulla

A part of the adrenal gland that is stimulated by the SNS to secrete the hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline into the bloodstream.

Adrenaline

A hormone secreted by the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream that causes physiological changes to prepare the body for fight or flight.

Noradrenaline

A hormone secreted alongside adrenaline by the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream in response to a stressful situation.

Fight or flight

The state of physiological readiness prepared by changes caused by adrenaline following exposure to a stressful or dangerous situation.

SAM Pathway Flowchart

The step-by-step physiological process initiated when a person enters a stressful situation, leading to fight or flight preparation.