fight or flight L4

• What is the fight-or-flight response?

  A sequence of activity triggered in response to stress.
• According to Gray (1988), what is the first phase of reaction to a threat?


  To avoid confrontation rather than fight or flee.
• What is the initial freeze response in the fight-or-flight response?

  A 'stop, look and listen' response where the animal is hyper-vigilant.
• Which part of the brain triggers the stress response?

  The amygdala.
• What does the amygdala associate sensory inputs with?

  Emotions like fear and anger.
• What signal does the amygdala send to the hypothalamus?

  A distress signal.
• What does the hypothalamus activate in response to stress?

  The sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
• What does the SNS activate in the body?

  The adrenal medulla to release adrenaline.
• What effects does adrenaline have on the body?

  Increases heart rate, breathing, and blood pressure.
• What does adrenaline trigger the release of into the blood?

  Glucose to supply energy.
• What happens to digestion during an emergency due to adrenaline release?

  Digestion is inhibited.
• What restores heart rate and blood pressure to normal after a threat has passed?

  The parasympathetic nervous system.
• What happens if the threat is ongoing in terms of the HPA axis?

  The hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH).
• What does the pituitary gland release in response to CRH?

  Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).
• What does ACTH stimulate in the body?

  The adrenal glands to release cortisol.
• What is the role of cortisol in the stress response?

  It reduces sensitivity to pain and provides a quick burst of energy.
• Why might females show a 'tend and befriend' response rather than fight or flight?

  To protect themselves and their young through nurturing behaviors.
• How does the 'tend and befriend' response manifest in females?

  Through nurturing behaviors and forming protective alliances.
• What does the finding about female stress responses suggest about previous research?

  It has mainly focused on males, obscuring patterns of stress response in females.
• What is the HPA axis and its role in stress response?

  • Sequence of bodily activity in response to stress
  • Involves hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex
  • Regulates cortisol levels in the bloodstream
• What does the HPA axis do when cortisol levels rise above normal?

  It brings cortisol levels back to normal.
• The Amygdala


  Associates sensory inputs with emotions, especially negative ones like fear, anger, and surprise.