The fight-or-flight response

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Amygdala - The fight-or-flight response
Mobilised when we are faced with a threat. Associates sensory signals with emotions linked with fight or flight e.g. fear or anger. Sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus.
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Hypothalamus - The fight-or-flight response
Acts like a command centre in the brain and communicates with the rest of the body through the synaptic nervous system.
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Response to acute stressors
The body's response to a sudden attack.
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Sympathetic nervous system - Response to acute stressors
Begins preparing the body for the action necessary for fight or flight. Sends a signal to the adrenal medulla which releases the hormone adrenaline into the bloodstream.
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Adrenaline - Response to acute stressors
Circulates through the body, causing: heart beats faster, pushing blood to the muscles and vital organs; breathing quickens to take in as much oxygen as possible; blood sugar is released to supply energy to body parts.
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Parasympathetic nervous system - Response to acute stressors
Dampens down the stress response when the threat has passed.
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Response to chronic stressors
The body's response to an ongoing attack e.g. a stressful job. Kicks in when the brain continues to perceive something as threatening.
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HPA axis
When the surge of adrenaline subsides, the hypothalamus activates this stress response system. Consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and the adrenal glands.
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'H' The hypothalamus - HPA axis; response to chronic stressors
In response to continued threat, releases the hormone CRH into the bloodstream.
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'P' Pituitary gland - HPA axis; response to chronic stressors
When CRH arrives at the pituitary gland, it causes the pituitary to release ACTH into the bloodstream to be transported to its target site in the adrenal glands.
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'A' Adrenal glands - HPA axis; response to chronic stressors
ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release stress-related hormones, including cortisol which causes effects in the body which are important in fight or flight. Some are positive (a quick burst of energy) but others are negative (impaired cognition
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Taylor et al (2000) - The 'tend and befriend' response
Suggests women's response to stress is different to men's as they evolved as the primary caregiver. Women protect themselves and their young through nurturing behaviour (tending) and form protective alliances with other women (befriending).
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Gray (1988) - 'Fight or flight' does not tell the whole story
Suggests that before responding with attacking or running away, most animals display the 'freeze response' when they are hyper-vigilant, alert to the slightest sign of danger.
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Von Dawans et al (2012) - Positive rather than 'fight or flight' behaviours
Challenges the idea that men only respond with 'fight or flight' and women respond with 'tend and befriend'. Found that acute stress can lead to greater cooperative and friendly behaviour, even in men.
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Acts like a command centre in the brain and communicates with the rest of the body through the synaptic nervous system.

Back

Hypothalamus - The fight-or-flight response

Card 3

Front

The body's response to a sudden attack.

Back

Preview of the back of card 3

Card 4

Front

Begins preparing the body for the action necessary for fight or flight. Sends a signal to the adrenal medulla which releases the hormone adrenaline into the bloodstream.

Back

Preview of the back of card 4

Card 5

Front

Circulates through the body, causing: heart beats faster, pushing blood to the muscles and vital organs; breathing quickens to take in as much oxygen as possible; blood sugar is released to supply energy to body parts.

Back

Preview of the back of card 5
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