AQA A-LEVEL: Biopsychology - Fight or Flight Repsonse

FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE

This response is generated from the ANS, in the sympathetic branch. It is a reflex response to help individuals react quicker. There are two types of stress response depending on the appraisal of the threat. Fight or Flight is activated for short-term stressors, different systems are activated for long-term or chronic stress.



APPRAISAL OF STRESSOR

  • The situation is appraised via sensory systems and stored memories. Hippocampus + Amygdala try to recognise emotional reactions to stimuli and access stored memories for potential danger 
  • If the situation is deemed stressful, the hypothalamus is alerted.
  • Hypothalamus controls the HPA axis (pituitary-adrenal system) for chronic stress and the SAM pathway for acute stress

SAM PATHWAY

  1. Situation perceived as stressful due to emotions and memories
  2. Hypothalamus alerted and recognises stress as ACUTE
  3. SAM pathway activated (sympathetic branch of ANS)
  4. Adrenal Medulla stimulated (in adrenal gland above kidneys)
  5. Adrenaline and Noradrenaline hormone secreted and sent to brain
  6. Hormones prepare body for fight or flight and causes bodily effects

BODILY EFFECTS OF ADRENALINE

  • HEART RATE UP - To increase blood flow to vital organs and improve spread of adrenaline
  • BREATHING UP - To increase oxygen intake
  • MUSCLE TENSION UP - Improve reaction time and speed
  • PUPIL DILATION UP - To improve vision
  • PERSPIRATION UP - Temperature regulation
  • DIGESTION DOWN - To save energy for more important functions like running

PARASYMPATHETIC BRANCH

  • Activated when the perceived stressor is gone
  • This is a countershock response which reduces fight or flight responses and returns the body to a normal state of homoeostasis
  • Do the opposite effects such as reducing blood pressure, heart rate and resumes digestion

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