Brain Basics
This term means different parts of the brain control specific functions.
What is localization?
This system activates the fight-or-flight response.
What is the sympathetic nervous system?
You jump when you hear a loud noise before realizing it was nothing. This structure reacted first.
What is the amygdala?
Stress is not caused by one brain part alone. It involves communication between brain, body, and this chemical signaling system.
What is the endocrine system?
A perceived threat activates this brain structure first.
What is the amygdala?
This part of the brain controls balance and coordination.
What is the cerebellum?
This system helps the body return to calm after stress.
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
During a test, you “blank out” even though you studied. Stress likely disrupted this structure.
What is the hippocampus?
The amygdala signals this structure to begin the stress hormone cascade.
What is the hypothalamus?
When the sympathetic nervous system activates, heart rate does this.
What is increase?
This brain structure acts as a relay station for sensory information.
What is the thalamus?
This axis connects the brain to hormone release during stress.
What is the HPA axis?
You take slow deep breaths before a game and feel calmer. Which system are you activating?
What is the parasympathetic nervous system?
This concept explains how repeated stress strengthens stress pathways in the brain.
What is neuroplasticity?
Chronic stress can shrink this memory-related structure.
What is the hippocampus?
This structure regulates hunger, temperature, and links the nervous system to hormones.
What is the hypothalamus?
During stress, digestion slows because energy is redirected to this survival priority.
What is muscles / movement / survival action?
(Teacher acceptable: fighting or fleeing)
You make a quick emotional decision you later regret. Which area was likely less active?
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Homeostasis refers to the body’s ability to do this.
What is maintain internal balance?
When stress decreases activity in the prefrontal cortex, this ability becomes weaker.
What is decision-making / impulse control / rational thinking?
Damage to this area would most likely affect decision-making and impulse control.
What is the prefrontal cortex?
Chronic stress keeps this hormone elevated, which can impact memory and immunity.
What is cortisol?
A student experiences constant stress for months. This long-term exposure increases risk for what type of health problems?
What are heart disease / immune suppression / anxiety disorders?
(Teacher can accept multiple accurate answers)
Explain the cause-and-effect sequence from perceived threat to increased heart rate.
Amygdala → hypothalamus → SNS/HPA axis → adrenaline → heart rate increases
Put these in the correct order:
Adrenaline release, perceived threat, increased heart rate, amygdala activation.
Perceived threat → amygdala activation → adrenaline release → increased heart rate