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
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