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
 THE BRAIN

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 ADRENAL GLAND AND INSIDE
EPINEPHRINE SPREADS
THROUGH THE BODY
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)
FIGHT OR FLIGHT OVERVIEW
Brain 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?
 PATHS OF 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.h

SO WHAT DOES THIS
RESPONSE LOOK LIKE?

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
ACTIVITY: Play the fight or flight game

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