the fight or flight response A01

4 things cortisol does

- brings a burst of energy - lower sensitivity to pain - prepares immune system - increases repair of tissue

5 things adrenaline does

- heart rate increases - blood pressure increases - more blood to muscles that are in use and brain -breathing rate increases - glucose is released into blood to supply energy to body parts associated with the fight or flight

4 stages of the response to acute stress

- hypothalamus triggers the sympathetic NS - the sympathetic NS sends signal to adrenal medulla - adrenal medulla responds with releasing adrenaline into blood. -parasymp NS tries to decrease the stress response once the threat has passed

4 stages of the response to chronic stress

-hypothalamus releases CRH -CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to produce ACTH -ACTH is transported via blood to the adrenal cortex -ACTH triggers the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.

2 things the parasympathetic nervous system does in an acute stress response

-slows heart rate -reduces blood pressure

why is too much cortisol bad?

can have the opposite effect if released in small amounts so actually weakens the immune system. when this happens continuously, cortisol begins to build up in the blood which isn't good for the body.

when does the response to chronic stress occur?

if the threat stays, this can cause stress that lasts for a longer period.

what is the need for the response to acute stress

it prepares the body for sudden action necessary for fight or flight.