Fight or Flight

• The HPA axis is the body's response to chronic stressors
• The SAM pathway is the body's response to acute stressors
• HPA: Hypothalamus releases CRF, Pituitary gland releases ACTH, Adrenal cortex releases cortisol
• Long term effects of cortisol: weakened immune system
• SAM: hypothalamus activates sympathetic branch, adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline
• Long term effects of adrenaline: more vulnerable to cardiovascular disorders
• Effects of adrenaline: increase heart rate, pupils dilate, digestion is turned off and increase in breathing rate