6.4: The fight-or-flight response, including the role of adrenaline Flashcards Preview

Psychology > 6.4: The fight-or-flight response, including the role of adrenaline > Flashcards

Flashcards in 6.4: The fight-or-flight response, including the role of adrenaline Deck (48)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Fight-or-flight response

A

The fight-or-flight response is the way an animal responds when stressed

2
Q

The fight-or-flight response is the way an animal responds when stressed.
What does the body do?

A

The body becomes physiologically aroused in readiness to fight an aggressor or, in some cases, flee

3
Q

Adrenaline

A

Adrenaline is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system

4
Q

Adrenaline is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system.
What does adrenaline have a strong effect on?

A

Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system

5
Q

Adrenaline is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is part of the human body’s immediate stress response system.
Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system - doing what?

A

Adrenaline has a strong effect on the cells of the cardiovascular system - Stimulating the heart rate, contracting blood vessels and dilating air passages

6
Q

Hypothalamus

A

The hypothalamus is a part of the brain that is located in the centre of the brain and deals with basic survival functions

7
Q

Adrenal gland

A

The adrenal gland is the gland in the adrenal system that releases adrenaline

8
Q

Adrenal medulla

A

The adrenal medulla is the central part of the adrenal gland

9
Q

What is the fight-or-flight response generated from?

A

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system

10
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically what?

A

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch

11
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a what response?

A

It is a reflex response

12
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual do what when under threat?

A

It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat

13
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
When it is also activated?

A

It is also activated in times of stress

14
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, why?

A

It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat

15
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react how than normal?

A

The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal

16
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates what functioning?

A

The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning

17
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can what?

A

The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can:
1. Fight the threat
Or,
2. Run away from it

18
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. What does the hypothalamus recognise?

A

The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat

19
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. What does it do?

A

It sends a message to the adrenal gland

20
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically what?

A

It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla

21
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. What does this do?

A

This triggers the release of:

  1. Adrenaline to the endocrine system
  2. Noradrenaline in the brain
22
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. What physical changes does this prompt?

A

This prompts the following physical changes:

  1. An increased heart rate
  2. A faster breathing rate
  3. Muscle tension
  4. Pupil dilation
  5. The production of sweat
  6. Reduced functioning of the digestive and immune systems
23
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. This prompts the following physical changes:
An increased heart rate, why?

A

An increased heart rate to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body

24
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. This prompts the following physical changes:
An increased heart rate, to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body.
A faster breathing rate, why?

A

A faster breathing rate, to increase oxygen intake

25
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. This prompts the following physical changes:
An increased heart rate, to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body.
A faster breathing rate, to increase oxygen intake.
Muscle tension, why?

A

Muscle tension, to improve reaction time and speed

26
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. This prompts the following physical changes:
An increased heart rate, to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body.
A faster breathing rate, to increase oxygen intake.
Muscle tension, to improve reaction time and speed.
Pupil dilation, why?

A

Pupil dilation, to improve vision

27
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. This prompts the following physical changes:
An increased heart rate, to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body.
A faster breathing rate, to increase oxygen intake.
Muscle tension, to improve reaction time and speed.
Pupil dilation, to improve vision.
The production of sweat, why?

A

The production of sweat, to facilitate temperature regulation

28
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. This prompts the following physical changes:
An increased heart rate, to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body.
A faster breathing rate, to increase oxygen intake.
Muscle tension, to improve reaction time and speed.
Pupil dilation, to improve vision.
The production of sweat, to facilitate temperature regulation.
Reduced functioning of the digestive and immune systems, why?

A

Reduced functioning of the digestive and immune systems, to save energy for prioritised functions

29
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. This prompts the following physical changes:
An increased heart rate, to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body.
A faster breathing rate, to increase oxygen intake.
Muscle tension, to improve reaction time and speed.
Pupil dilation, to improve vision.
The production of sweat, to facilitate temperature regulation.
Reduced functioning of the digestive and immune systems, to save energy for prioritised functions, like what?

A

Reduced functioning of the digestive and immune systems, to save energy for prioritised functions, like running

30
Q

The fight-or-flight response is generated from the autonomic nervous system, specifically the sympathetic branch.
It is a reflex response designed to help an individual manage physically when under threat.
It is also activated in times of stress, because the body perceives stress to be a threat.
The fight-or-flight response helps an individual to react quicker than normal and facilitates optimal functioning, so that they can fight the threat or run away from it.
This occurs in a series of steps:
1. The hypothalamus recognises that there is a threat.
2. It sends a message to the adrenal gland, specifically the adrenal medulla.
3. This triggers the release of adrenaline to the endocrine system and noradrenaline in the brain.
4. This prompts the following physical changes:
An increased heart rate, to speed up the blood flow to vital organs and improve the spread of adrenaline around the body.
A faster breathing rate, to increase oxygen intake.
Muscle tension, to improve reaction time and speed.
Pupil dilation, to improve vision.
The production of sweat, to facilitate temperature regulation.
Reduced functioning of the digestive and immune systems, to save energy for prioritised functions, like running.
These physical changes help an individual to fight or run away from the what situation?

A

These physical changes help an individual to fight or run away from the potentially threatening situation

31
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), what is the first thing that happens?

A

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system

32
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
What does the ANS do?

A

The ANS changes from its normal resting state

33
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (what)?

A

The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state)

34
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to what?

A

The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state

35
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
What is released?

A

The stress hormone adrenaline is released

36
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from what?

A

The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla

37
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into what?

A

The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream

38
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
What does adrenaline do?

A

Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body

39
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
Example

A

For example, increased heart rate

40
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
For example, increased heart rate.
What does this do?

A

This creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response

41
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
For example, increased heart rate.
This creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response.
When does this happen?

A

All of this happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected

42
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
For example, increased heart rate.
This creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response.
All of this happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected, why?

A

All of this happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected, as it is an automatic reaction in the body

43
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
For example, increased heart rate.
This creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response.
All of this happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected, as it is an automatic reaction in the body.
Finally, once the threat has passed, what happens?

A

Finally, once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state

44
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
For example, increased heart rate.
This creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response.
All of this happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected, as it is an automatic reaction in the body.
Finally, once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state.
How does the parasympathetic branch of the ANS work?

A

The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system

45
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
For example, increased heart rate.
This creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response.
All of this happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected, as it is an automatic reaction in the body.
Finally, once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state.
The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system - what?

A

The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system - its actions are antagonistic to the sympathetic system

46
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
For example, increased heart rate.
This creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response.
All of this happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected, as it is an automatic reaction in the body.
Finally, once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state.
The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system - its actions are antagonistic to the sympathetic system.
The parasympathetic system acts as a ‘brake’ and reduces what activities?

A

The parasympathetic system acts as a ‘brake’ and reduces the activities of the body that were increased by the actions of the sympathetic branch

47
Q

When a stressor is perceived (you thinking about your upcoming exams or your friend jumps out to scare you), the first thing that happens is that the hypothalamus triggers activity in the sympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system.
The ANS changes from its normal resting state (the parasympathetic state) to the physiologically aroused, sympathetic state.
The stress hormone adrenaline is released from the adrenal medulla into the bloodstream.
Adrenaline triggers physiological changes in the body.
For example, increased heart rate.
This creates the physiological arousal necessary for the fight or flight response.
All of this happens in an instant as soon as the threat is detected, as it is an automatic reaction in the body.
Finally, once the threat has passed, the parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state.
The parasympathetic branch of the ANS works in opposition to the sympathetic nervous system - its actions are antagonistic to the sympathetic system.
The parasympathetic system acts as a ‘brake’ and reduces the activities of the body that were increased by the actions of the sympathetic branch.
What is this sometimes referred to as?

A

This is sometimes referred to as the rest and digest response

48
Q

Evaluation:
For:
1. The physical nature of the bodily systems means that research can be said to be scientific, as the measures are completely objective and therefore opinion or judgement do not play a part.
This increases the reliability of the results.

Against:
1. Assessing the extent to which biological structures affect behaviour is very difficult.
It can be argued that they are merely the ‘tools’ to make the behaviour happen, rather than being the cause.
Cause and effect cannot be established in most research.
This is because much of the research is correlational.
This means that only the relationship between the biological influence and the behaviour can be investigated.
For example, research on hormones is problematic for this reason.
We can say that there is a relationship between increased relationship intensity and oxytocin level, but not that oxytocin causes the relationship to be more intense.
It is equally plausible that a behaviour like forming a relationship might mean levels of oxytocin increase, rather than the high levels altering the behaviour.

  1. The argument that it is the biological structures that underpin behaviour can be seen as reductionist.
    This means that it attempts to reduce human behaviour and cognitive processes down to biological processes.
    Within the biological processes there is a further reduction down to a specific component, like the level of a hormone.
    Many psychologists argue that this is too simplistic
A

k

Decks in Psychology Class (141):