Fight or flight notes

These flashcards cover key topics and concepts related to biopsychology, including the fight-or-flight response, the roles of different brain structures, methods of studying the brain, neurotransmitters, and attachment theory.

What is the fight-or-flight response?

A physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat to survival.

What is the role of the amygdala in the fight-or-flight response?

The amygdala detects threats and activates the hypothalamus to initiate the fight-or-flight response.

How does the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) respond to stress?

The SNS increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supply to prepare the body for rapid action.

What physiological changes occur during the fight-or-flight response?

Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and release of glucose and fats into the bloodstream.

What is the role of cortisol in the stress response?

Cortisol helps manage stress by providing energy and also has effects such as impaired cognitive function and reduced immune response.

What is post-mortem examination?

A method used to study the brain after an individual's death to understand the neurobiology underlying particular behaviours.

What is fMRI and what does it measure?

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) measures changes in blood flow in the brain to identify areas active during task performance.

What does an EEG measure?

An electroencephalogram (EEG) measures electrical activity in the brain and can help diagnose various brain disorders.

What are event-related potentials (ERPs)?

ERPs are small voltage changes in the brain triggered by specific stimuli, reflecting cognitive processing of those stimuli.

What are excitatory neurotransmitters?

Chemicals like acetylcholine that increase the likelihood of a neuron firing by promoting excitatory postsynaptic potentials.

What are inhibitory neurotransmitters?

Chemicals like serotonin that decrease the likelihood of a neuron firing by inducing inhibitory postsynaptic potentials.

What is Bowlby's theory of attachment?

Attachment theory posits that strong, early bonds between a child and caregiver are critical for healthy emotional and social development.

What is the continuity hypothesis?

The continuity hypothesis suggests that early attachment styles influence an individual's later social and emotional competencies.

What did Harlow's studies on attachment reveal?

Harlow's research demonstrated that attachment is based more on comfort and emotional security than on feeding.

What is the significance of neurotransmitters in mental health?

Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in transmitting signals in the nervous system and imbalances can lead to psychological disorders.

How does the parasympathetic nervous system function after a stress response?

It acts to calm the body down, reducing heart rate and blood pressure, and promoting digestion after a threat has passed.