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