14.1.1.3 Fight or flight response

• How is the sympathetic nervous system organized?

  Into three main nerve groups
• What are the three divisions of the cervical sympathetic ganglia labeled in the image?

  Superior, Middle, Inferior
• What hormones are released by the adrenal medulla?

  Norepinephrine and epinephrine
• What is the function of the sympathetic nervous system as shown in the image?

  • Innervates various organs and tissues in the body
  • Responsible for the "fight-or-flight" response
  • Prepares the body for stressful or emergency situations
  • Regulates functions like heart rate, blood pressure, and digestion
• What are the main components of the sympathetic nervous system shown in the image?

  • Preganglionic neurons
  • Postganglionic neurons
  • Sympathetic chain ganglia
  • Splanchnic nerves
  • Cardiac and pulmonary plexuses
  • Greater splanchnic nerve
• The hypothalamus activates which system by releasing CRF?

  Adrenal-cortical system
• What system does the hypothalamus activate in the fight-or-flight response?

  Sympathetic nervous system
• How does the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) connect to the spinal cord?

  It descends through the spinal cord
• What is the role of major nerves like splanchnic and mesenteric nerves in the SNS?

  They innervate key organs
• What is the name of the structure labeled as "Spinal cord" in the image?

  Spinal cord
• What are the two pathways activated by the hypothalamus during the fight-or-flight response?

  Adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex pathways
• What happens to your energy during the fight-or-flight response?

  It focuses energy for immediate action
• How does the fight-or-flight response prepare the body?

  By increasing alertness and strengthening muscles
• How do the functions of the preganglionic and postganglionic neurons differ in the sympathetic nervous system?

  Preganglionic neurons transmit signals from the spinal cord to the ganglia, while postganglionic neurons transmit signals from the ganglia to the target organs
• What does ACTH trigger when it arrives at the adrenal cortex?

  Release of approximately 30 hormones
• What is the role of the sympathetic nervous system in the fight-or-flight response?

  • Activated by the hypothalamus
  • Activates adrenal medulla
  • Impulses activate glands and smooth muscles
• How do the nervous and endocrine systems interact during the fight-or-flight response?

  • The hypothalamus (nervous system) initiates the response by activating both the sympathetic nervous system and the adrenal-cortical system
  • The sympathetic nervous system directly stimulates the adrenal medulla
  • The endocrine system (CRF, ACTH, norepinephrine, epinephrine) amplifies and sustains the response
• What hormone does the pituitary gland secrete during the fight-or-flight response?

  ACTH
• The hypothalamus activates which system by releasing CRF?

  Adrenal-cortical system
• What is the sequence of the fight-or-flight response initiation?

  • Hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system
  • Sympathetic nervous system impulses activate glands and smooth muscles
  • Hypothalamus activates the adrenal-cortical system by releasing CRF
  • Pituitary gland secretes ACTH
  • ACTH arrives at adrenal cortex and releases approximately 30 hormones
  • Adrenal medulla releases norepinephrine and epinephrine into bloodstream
• How does the body initiate fight-or-flight response?

  Neural activity and hormones
• What is the pathway of the sympathetic nervous system from the brainstem to the organs?

  • Starts at the brainstem (Pons)
  • Descends through the spinal cord
  • Forms interconnected ganglia
  • Branches into cervical, thoracic, and lumbar nerves
  • Major nerves innervate key organs
• What does the fight-or-flight response prepare the body for?

  To confront or escape a perceived threat
• What system does the hypothalamus activate in the fight-or-flight response?

  Sympathetic nervous system
• What are the three main nerve groups of the sympathetic nervous system?

  Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar
• Which part of the adrenal gland is activated by the sympathetic nervous system?

  Adrenal medulla
• What is the fight-or-flight response?

  A natural reaction to perceived threats
• What neurotransmitter is released by the adrenal medulla?

  Norepinephrine
• How does the fight-or-flight response affect your readiness to act?

  It makes you ready to fight or flee
• What do the impulses from the sympathetic nervous system activate?

  Glands and smooth muscles
• What is the ultimate goal of the fight-or-flight response?

  Ensuring your safety
• What hormone does the pituitary gland secrete during the fight-or-flight response?

  ACTH
• Which brain region initiates the fight-or-flight response?

  Hypothalamus
• What happens to muscles during the fight response?

  Muscles tense and face appears aggressive
• What is the name of the structure labeled as "PONS" in the image?

  PONS
• What is the starting point of the sympathetic nervous system pathway?

  Brainstem (Pons)
• What does the adrenal cortex produce during the fight-or-flight response?

  Approximately 30 longer-lasting hormones
• How does the combined neural and hormonal surge contribute to the fight-or-flight response?

  It creates the physiological changes for survival
• What are the effects of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and cortisol during the fight-or-flight response?

  • Norepinephrine: Increased heart rate, blood pressure
  • Epinephrine: Heightened alertness, muscle strength
  • Cortisol: Stress management, glucose release
• What is the adaptive purpose of the fight-or-flight response?

  To enhance survival by preparing the body