SAM and HPA

SHOCK: This involves the sympathetic branch SAM. COUNTER-SHOCK: This involves the parasympathetic branch HPA.

The Sympatho-Medullary Pathway (Sympathetic Adrenal Medullary System)

Stress > Sympathetic > Adrenal Medulla which is part of the Adrenal Glands > releases Adrenaline and Noradrenaline. Sympathetic system aroused, parasympathetic suppressed. Fight or flight response (increase in heart rate, less digestion, increased clotters in case of injury to body etc.).

Evaluation

´  Important in the stress response

´  It is an appropriate reaction of the body as it prepares us for fight or flight

´  SAM activity is not just associated with stress though

´  We have more adrenaline and noradrenaline when we are concentrating on a task

´  Perception is also important – sometimes we may see heightened activity in SAM as showing we are stressed, at other times it could just show we are excited or stimulated

Pituitary Adrenal System: Hypothalamic…