This file accompanies a YouTube file - covering the HPA axis, the Fight-Flight response & the role of cortisol in the stress response. See www.ePsychVCE.com for link

1. Stress
• Stress defined: Key descriptors
1. physiological or psychological
tension
2. internal or external forces
3. exceeding a persons resources
for their ability to cope
• Stress: involves both
psychological & physiological
changes
• What’s good about stress?
• What’s bad about stress?

2. Fight or Flight response
• Definition: Key descriptors
• automatic response
• prepares animal
• to confront - OR
• flee
• a physically or psychological
threatening situation
• It’s an adaptive response
because?
• Triggered by _____________
nervous system
• Activates the HPA axis

3. HPA axis
• Hypothalamus triggers the release
of
• CRH (Corticotrophin releasing
hormone) which activates the
• Pituitary Gland which releases the
hormone
• ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic
hormone) which is carried by the
blood to the
• Adrenal gland which releases stress
hormones
• Cortisol/ Adrenalin and
Noradrenalin
• To assist the body deal with the
stressor

4. Cortisol
• Cortisol is a stress hormone
• Aids metabolism of
fats, proteins, carb’s &
increases glucose levels in
the blood providing
additional energy for muscles
• That is helpful in the short-
term i.e. In the short term it
acts to restore homeostasis
• Harmful in the long-term
(weakens the immune
system)
• It is released by the Adrenal
Gland - but
• Regulated by Pituitary Gland