fight or flight

• What response is triggered when someone is shocked and frightened, causing time to seem to slow down?

  Fight-or-flight response
• From an evolutionary perspective, why does the fight-or-flight response make sense?

  It prepares the body to fight or flee
• What happens when the fight-or-flight response is over, assuming survival?

  The body returns to normal
• What kind of stress triggers are NOT related to predators that we can run away from or fight in the modern world?

  Bills, meetings, or exams
• What type of stress can have some positive effects, such as extra alertness?

  Acute or short-term stress
• What is the negative effect of experiencing "sweatin and a fast heart rate" during a job interview?

  It is generally seen as negative
• According to the text, what type of stress occurs when worries about bills, meetings, or exams trigger the fight-or-flight response?

  Chronic stress
• Why can't our nervous system differentiate between immediate life threats and modern-day worries?

  Because it evolved to cope with immediate threats
• What is the first step in the process of fight-or-flight?

  Recognizing a threat
• Which gland does the hypothalamus stimulate via the endocrine system during a stress response?

  Pituitary gland
• What branch of the autonomic nervous system does the hypothalamus activate during the stress response?

  Sympathetic branch
• Where is the adrenal gland located?

  Above the kidney
• What two parts make up the adrenal gland?

  Medulla and cortex
• What axis is triggered when the hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary to release ACTH?

  Hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
• What hormone is secreted from the adrenal cortex as a result of HPA axis activation?

  Cortisol
• What pathway is triggered causing adrenaline and noradrenaline to be released from the adrenal medulla?

  Sympathetic adrenal-medulla (SAM) pathway
• What are two hormones released from the adrenal medulla during the SAM pathway activation?

  Adrenaline and noradrenaline
• What are the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline traveling across the body?

  • Increased blood flow to the brain and skeletal muscles
  • Faster heartbeat and faster action
  • Decreased blood flow to bodily systems
  • Dilated pupils
  • Faster breathing rate
  • Sweat production
  • Increased mental anxiety attention and alertness
• During the fight-or-flight response, where is blood flow decreased to?

  Skin, digestive, and immune systems
• During the fight-or-flight response, what is the purpose of dilated pupils?

  Improved vision
• What is the purpose of sweat production during the fight-or-flight response?

  Reducing heat
• What physiological effects are associated with a chronic stress response?

  High blood pressure and anxiety
• What physical problems can chronic stress potentially lead to?

  Heart disease, obesity, and IBS
• What mental disorders can chronic stress potentially cause?

  Anxiety and depression
• What did Taylor suggest in 2000 regarding women and the fight-or-flight response?

  Women tend and befriend
• Why might women "tend and befriend" instead of fight or flee?

  Pregnancy and care for infants
• According to the text, what does tending and befriending improve in women during extreme danger?

  Social connections
• According to the text, what can focusing on breathing deeply and slowly do?

  Decrease heart rate
• Besides deep breathing, what is another technique mentioned to take your mind off stress?

  Mindfulness
• Besides mindfulness, what lifestyle choices are mentioned to reduce stress?

  Exercise, music, sleep, and healthy food
• According to the text, who should you talk to if you are struggling with stress?

  Friend, family, or teacher
• According to the text, what is one of the best ways to deal with stress?

  Social connections
• Does the fight-or-flight response have deep evolutionary roots?

  Yes, it has deep roots