fight or flight response

• what is the SAM pathway

  1. a person enters a dangerous/stressful situation
  2. the amygdala is activated with sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus
  3. the hypothalamus activates the SAM (sympathomedullary pathway) running into he adrenal medulla and the sympathetic nervous system
  4. the SNS stimulates the adrenal medulla, part of the adrenal gland
  5. the adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline into the blood stream
  6. adrenaline causes a number of physiological changes to prepare the body for fight or flight
• what happens to the eyes when fight or flight is activated

  they dilate which allows your eyes to absorb more light- improves uou eyesight so that more attention can be dedicated to danger. you might notice 'tunnel vision' or realise that your vision becomes 'sharper'
• what happens to the ears when fight or flight is activated

  ears essentially 'perl-up' and your hearing can become 'sharper'
• what happens to the heart when fight or flight is activated

  heart rate increases. dilation of conorary blood vessels. a faster heart rate can feed more blood, oxygen and energy into the body. enhancing your power to run away or fight.
• what happens to the lungs when fight or flight is activated

  breathing quickens and becomes shallower - quicker breathing takes in more oxygen for your muscles.
• what happens to the skin when fight or flight is activated

  you become pale and your face looks flushed/blushed.

  blood vessels in the skin contract, directing blood where it is needed, -muscles, brain, legs and arms.

  your hands and feet may get cold because of this too.
• what happens to the mind when fight or flight is activated

  thoughts begin to race. this quicker thinking can help you evaluate your environment and make rapid decisions if necessary. hence, it can be challenging to concentrate on anything other than the danger you perceive. you may also feel dizzy or lightheaded if one does not actually run or fight under the trigger
• what happens to pain when fight or flight is activated

  your perception of pain temporarily reduces while under the fight or flight trigger