stress, fear, and the fight or flight response

STRESS, FEAR, AND THE FIGHT OR FLIGHT RESPONSE

FIGHT OR FLIGHT OVERVIEW

AMYGDALA

HYPOTHALAMUS

PITUITARY GLAND

ADRENAL GLAND

THROUGHOUT BODY

THE HYPOTHALAMUS AND THE PITUITARY GLAND

INSIDE THE PITUITARY GLAND

• Incoming info into Thalamus• Signal sent to Amygdila (decodes emotions)• Transmitted to Hypothalamus (Responds by initiation F or F)• Hypo. sends nerve impulse down spine• Hypo. activates Pituitary gland

(Releases Hormone – ACTH)

THE BRAIN

THE ADRENAL GLAND AND INSIDE

EPINEPHRINE SPREADS THROUGH THE BODY

• Nerve impulse from Hypo./ ACTH both reach Adrenal• Nerve impulse signals chromofin cells – Epinephrine• ACTH signals cells to produce Cortisol• Both chemicals released from Adrenal gland• Cortisol raises blood sugar (Frees fatty acids)• Epinephrine reaches liver (Increases glucose

production – more potential energy – ATP)– Reaches lungs (relaxes muscles/increases respiration

(more O2 for muscles)– Reaches Heart (Beats faster – circulates energy faster)

THE BODY

FIGHT OR FLIGHT OVERVIEWBrain receives/sends signals to pituitary

Pituitary releases messengers to Adrenal

Adrenal produces Epinephrine and Cortisol

Cortisol frees fatty acids/raises sugar

Adrenaline increases resp. allows more o2/energy (ATP)

WHAT IS FEAR?

Thalamus - decides where to send incoming sensory data (from eyes, ears, mouth, skin)

Sensory cortex - interprets sensory data

Hippocampus - stores and retrieves conscious memories; processes sets of stimuli to establish context

Amygdala - decodes emotions; determines possible threat; stores fear memories

Hypothalamus - activates "fight or flight" response

TEXT FROM http://health.howstuffworks.com/mental-health/human-nature/other-emotions/fear.htm

PATHS OF FEAR

• Increase Heart rate• Pupils dilate (take in light)• Veins in skin tighten – allow flow

to major muscles (chills – less blood in skin)• Muscles tense (goose bumps)• Focus on immediate

SO WHAT DOES THIS RESPONSE LOOK LIKE?

ACTIVITY: Play the fight or flight game

http://cmhc.utexas.edu/stressrecess/Level_One/fof.html