14.1.1 The Sympathomedullary Pathway (SAM)

• The Sympathomedullary Pathway (SAM) is the body's rapid response system to stress
• Phases of the Sympathomedullary Pathway (SAM)

  1️⃣ Sympathetic Nervous System Activated

  2️⃣ Adrenaline Release

  3️⃣ Physiological Changes
• The SAM pathway begins with the hypothalamus processing a stressful stimulus
• The hypothalamus activates the amygdala
• Increased glucose levels are a physiological change during the SAM pathway
• Steps in the activation of the SAM pathway

  1️⃣ Stressful stimulus perceived

  2️⃣ Hypothalamus activated

  3️⃣ Amygdala signaling

  4️⃣ Fight or flight preparation
• Which brain region releases adrenaline during the SAM pathway?

  Adrenal medulla
• Match the phase of the SAM pathway with its effect:

  Sympathetic Nervous System Activated ↔️ Signals brain

  Adrenaline Release ↔️ Releases into bloodstream

  Physiological Changes ↔️ Prepares for fight or flight
• The hypothalamus stimulates the sympathetic nervous system to release adrenaline
• Steps in the SAM pathway initiated by the hypothalamus

  1️⃣ Cerebral cortex signals hypothalamus

  2️⃣ Hypothalamus activates amygdala

  3️⃣ Sympathetic nervous system stimulated

  4️⃣ Adrenaline release from adrenal medulla
• What does the sympathetic nervous system prepare the body for?

  Fight or flight
• The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system to release adrenaline
• The amygdala is activated by the hypothalamus during the stress response.
• Which brain region evaluates the stressful stimulus?

  Cerebral cortex
• The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into the bloodstream
• Increased heart rate enhances blood circulation during the fight or flight response.
• What happens to glucose levels during the fight or flight response?

  Increase
• Increased blood flow to muscles prepares the body for physical activity
• Match the phase of the SAM pathway with its effect:

  Sympathetic Nervous System Activated ↔️ Signals from the brain stimulate the sympathetic nervous system.

  Adrenaline Release ↔️ The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline.

  Physiological Changes ↔️ Heart rate increases, blood pressure elevates, and glucose levels rise.
• Which brain region perceives the stressful stimulus first?

  Cerebral cortex
• Increased blood pressure is a physiological change triggered by adrenaline during the fight or flight response.
• From which brain region is adrenaline released during the SAM pathway?

  Adrenal medulla
• What is the primary purpose of the physiological changes triggered by adrenaline?

  Fight or flight response
• Adrenaline increases heart rate, enhancing blood circulation
• How does elevated blood pressure during the stress response facilitate oxygen delivery?

  By improving blood flow
• Increased glucose levels during the fight-or-flight response provide the body with energy
• Enhanced blood flow to muscles during the stress response prepares the body for physical activity.
• Match the physiological effect of adrenaline with its description:

  Heightened Senses ↔️ Increased alertness and sensitivity

  Elevated Blood Pressure ↔️ Facilitates oxygen delivery
• Steps involved in the initiation of the fight-or-flight response by the SAM pathway:

  1️⃣ Adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla

  2️⃣ Heart rate increases

  3️⃣ Blood pressure rises

  4️⃣ Glucose levels increase
• The adrenal medulla stops producing adrenaline when the immediate threat subsides
• What role does cortisol play in restoring homeostasis after stress?

  Reduces inflammation and repairs tissues
• Deactivation of the SAM pathway prevents long-term physiological harm.
• How does deep breathing modify the SAM pathway to reduce stress?

  Slows down sympathetic activation
• Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system
• What effect does mindfulness meditation have on stress hormone levels?

  Decreases stress hormone levels
• Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health and lowers anxiety.