Endocrine System

• Fight or flight response

  1. Stressor detected by hypothalamus

  2. HPA axis activated, pituitary gland releases ACTH

  3. Adrenal cortex releases cortisol

  4. Hypothalamus activates sympathetic ANS, adrenal medulla releases adrenaline
• Psychological effects of adrenaline

  Increased anxiety, attention, and alertness
• Physical effects of adrenaline

  Increased blood flow to brain and skeletal muscles, quick thinking and reactions, decreased blood flow to skin, digestive and immune systems, dilated pupils improve vision, faster breathing increases oxygen
• The fight or flight response is maladaptive in the modern world, frequently triggered by stimuli that cannot be run away from or fought
• Acute stress is a short-term response to immediate pressures, exciting in small amounts and giving focus and energy, but exhausting and maintained long-term
• Chronic stress from frequent triggering of the fight or flight response can result in stress-related illness affecting the immune and circulatory systems