The fight-or-flight response

When face w/ threat, amygdala mobilised. Associates sensory signals w/ emotions eg fear/anger. Sends distress signal to hypothalamys - functions like command centre in brain, communicates w/ rest of body through sympathetic NS.

Response to stressors - 2 main systems:
 - one for acute stressors eg personal attack
 - one for chronic stressors eg stressful job

Begins preparing body for rapid action for f/f. Sends signal through adrenal medula - responds by releasing adrenaline into bloodstream.

Heart beats faster, blood pressure increases. 

Breathing more rapid - take in as much o2 w/ each breath.

Triggers release of glucose + fats - flood into bloodstream, supplies energy to parts of body for f/f.

Dampens stress response.

Slows heartbeat, reduces blood pressure.

Digestion begins again.

If brain keeps seeing smth as threatening, second system kicks in. As initial surge of adrenaline subsides, hypothalamus activates stress response system - HPA axis: 
 - H - hypothalamus - releases CRH - released into bloodstream as response to stressor.
 - P - pituitary gland - CRH causes pituitary to produce/release ACTH. From pituitary, ACTH transported in bloodstream to target site in adrenal glands.
 - A - adrenal glands - ACTH stimulates adrenal cortex to release stress-related hormones eg cortisol - responsible for effects in body important in F/FR. Some positive - quick burst of energy, lower sensitivity to pain. Some neg - impaired cognitive performace, lowered immune system.
 - Feedback - good at regulating itself. H + P have special receptors, monitor circulating cortisol levels. If levels rise above normal, initiate reduction in CRH + ACTH levels - brings cortisol levels back to normal.

Lee + Harley - genetic basis for gender diffs. SRY gene - male - directs male development, promotes aggression -> FOFR to stess. Suggest SRY may prime males to respond to stress in way by releasing stress hormones eg adrenaline.

'Tend + befriend - Taylor et al (2000) - females behavioural respons to stress. Protect themselves + young through nurturing behaviours, form protective alliances w/ other women. Women may have diff system for coping w/ stress.

Modern day, exposed to a lot of stress, rarely require physical activity - stress response repeatedly activated, can -> damage to blood vessels, -> heart disease due to increased blood pressure.

Doesn't tell whole story - Gray (1988) - first phase to avoid - freeze.