Subjects

Careers

Open the App

Subjects

1,174

2 Jul 2025

1 page

Fight or Flight Response Mindmap for A Level Psychology PDF - Free Notes & Evaluation

The fight-or-flight response is a crucial survival mechanism that prepares... Show more

Fight-or-flight
When we experience a threatening or stressful situation, our body reacts in specific
ways.
Give 3 examples of what happens t

Fight-or-Flight Response

The fight-or-flight response is an evolutionary survival mechanism that enables humans and animals to react swiftly to life-threatening situations. This response triggers specific bodily reactions when we encounter threatening or stressful situations.

Example: When faced with a threat, muscles tense, heart rate increases, and breathing becomes more rapid.

While this response evolved for survival, it can unfortunately be activated in non-life-threatening situations where fighting or fleeing isn't helpful.

The amygdala plays a crucial role in this response by associating sensory signals with emotions related to fight-or-flight. When activated, it sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus, which then communicates with the rest of the body through the sympathetic nervous system.

Vocabulary: The sympathetic nervous system SNSSNS is part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for intense physical activity.

The body responds to two types of stressors:

  1. Acute suddensudden stressors, such as a personal attack
  2. Chronic ongoingongoing stressors, like a stressful job

When the SNS is triggered, it initiates the process of preparing the body for action. It sends a signal to the adrenal medulla, which releases adrenaline into the bloodstream. Adrenaline causes several physiological changes:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Rapid breathing
  • Release of blood sugar and fats for energy

Highlight: The parasympathetic nervous system helps return the body to its normal state after the threat has passed by slowing heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and restarting digestion.

For chronic stressors, a second system called the HPA axis is activated. This system involves the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands, and relies on a series of hormonal signals to keep the SNS working.

Definition: The HPA axis HypothalamicPituitaryAdrenalaxisHypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis is a complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands that regulates many bodily processes, including stress response.

The process involves:

  1. The hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone CRHCRH
  2. CRH causes the pituitary gland to produce and release adrenocorticotrophic hormone ACTHACTH
  3. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release stress-related hormones, including cortisol

Vocabulary: Cortisol is a hormone that plays a vital role in the body's stress response.

The system efficiently regulates itself through feedback mechanisms, with both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland having special receptors that monitor circulating cortisol levels.

Highlight: Understanding the fight or flight response is crucial for A Level Psychology students, particularly in the context of biopsychology and stress response topics.



We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Psychology

1,174

2 Jul 2025

1 page

Fight or Flight Response Mindmap for A Level Psychology PDF - Free Notes & Evaluation

The fight-or-flight response is a crucial survival mechanism that prepares the body to react to threatening situations. This response involves complex interactions between the nervous system and endocrine system, triggering various physiological changes.

Key points:

  • The response is activated by... Show more

Fight-or-flight
When we experience a threatening or stressful situation, our body reacts in specific
ways.
Give 3 examples of what happens t

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Fight-or-Flight Response

The fight-or-flight response is an evolutionary survival mechanism that enables humans and animals to react swiftly to life-threatening situations. This response triggers specific bodily reactions when we encounter threatening or stressful situations.

Example: When faced with a threat, muscles tense, heart rate increases, and breathing becomes more rapid.

While this response evolved for survival, it can unfortunately be activated in non-life-threatening situations where fighting or fleeing isn't helpful.

The amygdala plays a crucial role in this response by associating sensory signals with emotions related to fight-or-flight. When activated, it sends a distress signal to the hypothalamus, which then communicates with the rest of the body through the sympathetic nervous system.

Vocabulary: The sympathetic nervous system SNSSNS is part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for intense physical activity.

The body responds to two types of stressors:

  1. Acute suddensudden stressors, such as a personal attack
  2. Chronic ongoingongoing stressors, like a stressful job

When the SNS is triggered, it initiates the process of preparing the body for action. It sends a signal to the adrenal medulla, which releases adrenaline into the bloodstream. Adrenaline causes several physiological changes:

  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure
  • Rapid breathing
  • Release of blood sugar and fats for energy

Highlight: The parasympathetic nervous system helps return the body to its normal state after the threat has passed by slowing heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and restarting digestion.

For chronic stressors, a second system called the HPA axis is activated. This system involves the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands, and relies on a series of hormonal signals to keep the SNS working.

Definition: The HPA axis HypothalamicPituitaryAdrenalaxisHypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis is a complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands that regulates many bodily processes, including stress response.

The process involves:

  1. The hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing hormone CRHCRH
  2. CRH causes the pituitary gland to produce and release adrenocorticotrophic hormone ACTHACTH
  3. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release stress-related hormones, including cortisol

Vocabulary: Cortisol is a hormone that plays a vital role in the body's stress response.

The system efficiently regulates itself through feedback mechanisms, with both the hypothalamus and pituitary gland having special receptors that monitor circulating cortisol levels.

Highlight: Understanding the fight or flight response is crucial for A Level Psychology students, particularly in the context of biopsychology and stress response topics.

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user