endocrine + fight/flight

• The endocrine system is a network of glands throughout the body that use blood vessels to deliver hormones to target sites in the body.
• 1. Adrenal (gland) releases adrenaline (hormone) which stimulates the fight or flight response
  2. Testes (gland) releases testosterone (hormone) which stimulates production of male sex characteristics and linked to aggressive behaviour
  3. Ovaries (gland) releases oestrogen (hormone) which stimulates release of female sex cells and regulation of the menstrual cycle
• Hormones are chemicals that circulate the bloodstream and are carried to the target site in the body. It is thought that hormones influence behaviour.
• Fight or flight:

  1. response to a threat
  2. sympathomedullary (SAM) pathway activated
  3. this activates the autonomic nervous system
  4. this triggers the sympathetic nervous system
  5. the adrenal gland is activated (the adrenal medulla)
  6. adrenaline is released into the bloodstream
  7. increase in heart rate, breathing and blood flows to muscles and away from the stomach
  8. digestion slows down
  9. pupils dilate and we sweat
  10. parasympathetic nervous system and bodily calm