fight or flight

• What is the fight-or-flight response?

  A physiological reaction to perceived threats
• Why does the fight-or-flight response make sense from an evolutionary perspective?

  It helps us survive predator attacks
• In what situation might stress have positive effects?

  During a job interview
• What triggers chronic stress in modern life?

  Worries like bills and exams
• How does the nervous system respond to stress?

  It triggers the fight-or-flight response
• What is the role of the hypothalamus in stress response?

  It activates the stress response
• What does the HPA axis stand for?

  Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal axis
• What hormone is secreted from the adrenal cortex during stress?

  Cortisol
• What is the sympathetic adrenal medulla pathway responsible for?

  Releasing adrenaline and noradrenaline
• What are the effects of adrenaline and noradrenaline on the body?

  Increased blood flow and faster breathing
• How does chronic stress affect the immune system?

  It suppresses immune function
• What physical problems can chronic stress lead to?

  Heart disease and obesity
• What alternative response do women have to stress according to Taylor (2000)?

  Tend-and-befriend response
• What are some tips for managing stress in the moment?

  Focus on deep, slow breathing
• What are the steps involved in the fight-or-flight response?

  1. Recognize the threat
  2. Enter stress response
  3. Hypothalamus activates autonomic nervous system
  4. Pituitary gland triggers endocrine system
  5. Adrenal glands release hormones
• What are the negative effects of chronic stress on health?

  • High blood pressure
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Increased risk of heart disease
  • Obesity
  • Low disease resistance
  • Depression
  • Accelerated aging
• What are some effective strategies for coping with stress?

  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Mindfulness practices
  • Regular exercise
  • Listening to relaxing music
  • Getting adequate sleep
  • Eating healthy foods
  • Talking to friends or family
• What physiological changes occur during the fight-or-flight response?

  • Increased heart rate
  • Faster breathing
  • Dilated pupils
  • Increased blood flow to muscles
  • Decreased blood flow to non-essential systems
  • Sweating for heat regulation