Brain
Which part of the brain controls automatic survival functions like heart rate and breathing?
Brainstem
In the Hand Model of the Brain, what does each part represent: palm, thumb, and fingers?
Palm = brainstem, thumb = limbic system, fingers = prefrontal cortex.
What is the main job of the autonomic nervous system?
It controls involuntary body functions and connects the brain to internal organs.
During a test, a student’s mouth feels dry. Which nervous system is active, and why does it stop salivation?
The sympathetic nervous system. It stops salivation because it is not efficient for the body to digest food while responding to a threat.
Which hormone increases heart rate, alertness, and energy during stress?
Adrenaline
A student suddenly feels their heart race when they hear a loud bang. Which brain system most likely triggered this reaction to the loud bang?
Limbic System (amygdala and hippocampus)
What does “flipping your lid” mean when using the Hand Model of the Brain?
It means the prefrontal cortex disconnects from the limbic system, leading to loss of regulation and control.
Which division of the autonomic nervous system prepares the body for danger or stress?
The sympathetic nervous system.
Why do pupils dilate during the sympathetic “fight or flight” response?
To let in more light and improve vision during danger.
Bonus: the amygdala is very responsive to sight!
Why does the body release cortisol during stress?
To increase blood sugar and provide energy to the brain and body.
Why does the prefrontal cortex often go “offline” during a stress response?
Blood flow and energy are redirected to survival systems, reducing access to executive functioning
Using the Hand Model, show what an integrated brain looks like and explain what this means.
Fingers folded over the thumb; all brain parts are working together, allowing calm behavior and good decision-making.
Why does the autonomic nervous system slow down digestion during stressful situations?
Energy is redirected to muscles and the brain instead of digestion.
A student’s digestion is working efficiently after eating dinner calmly with their family. Which nervous system division is responsible, and why?
The parasympathetic nervous system, because the body is calm and focused on digestion.
A student feels stressed about homework all the time, even though there is no real danger. What happens in the body if the stress response is not turned off?
It could begin to impact their immune system, slowing their ability to heal from injuries and increasing their likelihood of getting sick.
A student sees a dog running toward them. How do the amygdala and hippocampus work together to decide whether the danger is real?
Amygdala detects danger; hippocampus uses context to decide if the threat is real
How can the Hand Model help someone recognize when they need to use a calming strategy?
It helps them notice when their cortex is offline and signals the need to regulate and calm the body.
A student feels calm after deep breathing. Which autonomic nervous system is active, and what is happening to their heart rate?
The parasympathetic nervous system is active, and the heart rate slows.
Heart rate slows, breathing slows, pupils constrict. Which nervous system is active?
The parasympathetic nervous system.
What is the difference between stress and anxiety? Does our body know the difference? Why is this important?
Anxiety is typically stress about something uncertain that hasn't occurred. Stress is the body's response to a threat (or perceived threat) in the present moment. Our body does not know the difference. It's important because it could become overactive (meaning in a sympathetic nervous system state for too long).
A person uses slow breathing to calm their body during stress. Which brain layer is helping regulate the brainstem, and how?
The prefrontal cortex helps regulate the brainstem by using calming strategies to slow the body’s stress response.
Why did Dr. Dan Segal call it the hand model of the "head" brain?
Because scientists have found neurons in other places in the body, such as the gut biome.
Why is the autonomic nervous system described like “wiring” connecting the brain to the body?
It provides the nerve pathways the brain uses to control organs and body systems.
Why can staying in a sympathetic state for too long harm thinking and learning?
High levels of cortisol and adrenaline damage brain function, affecting memory, thinking, and decision-making.
What is the difference between eustress and distress? Provide an example of each.
Eustress is good stress, for example, before a dance performance. Distress is bad stress, for example, falling down in the middle of a performance.