AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

Question 1

describe the ANS?

Answer 1

the motor subdivision of the peripheral nervous system which automatically controls the body’s activities using neurones.
the stability of the internal environment depends on the workings of the ANS

Question 2

what is another name for the ANS?

Answer 2

the involuntary nervous system

Question 3

name and describe the two divisions of the ANS?

Answer 3

sympathetic nervous system- mobilises the body in extreme situations e.g. fear, exercise
parasympathetic nervous system- maintenance activities and conserves the bodies energy

Question 4

name the hormones of the sympathetic NS?

Answer 4

adrenaline (epinephrine)

noradrenaline

Question 5

where are the hormones of the sympathetic nervous system released from?

Answer 5

the adrenal medulla of the adrenal (suprarenal) gland

Question 6

describe the role of the parasympathetic division?

Answer 6

keeping energy use low, most active during rest

*D activities = digestion, defecation, diuresis

Question 7

list some examples of the parasympathetic nervous system?

Answer 7

reduce BP
reduce HR
stimulates salivation
pupils constrict 
stimulates digestive activity

Question 8

describe the role of the sympathetic division?

Answer 8

responsible for fight or flight, such as during exercise of when threatened
*E activities = exercise, excitement, emergency, embarrassment

Question 9

list some examples of the sympathetic nervous system?

Answer 9

increase HR
increase BP
pupils dilate
inhibits digestion

Question 10

outline the fight or flight response?

Answer 10

• provides optimal conditions for the appropriate response to threat such as:
• dilated pupils, rapid breathing, pounding heart, changes to brain wave pattern and galvanic skin resistance
• cutaneous and visceral blood vessels constrict
• vasodilation in myocardial and skeletal muscle (broncho-dilation)
• nutrients mobilised from liver= increase glucose levels
• non essential activities e.g. GI and urinary motility reduced

Question 11

what is the stress response?

Answer 11

a function of the central nervous system, including the hypothalamus, adrenal medulla/cortex, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system

Question 12

describe stress?

Answer 12

me.
situation where demands exceed the persons recourses to cope
the major part of stress is physiological

Question 13

how can understanding stress help?

Answer 13

can identify individuals at risk of inability to deal with stressors
recognise how prolonged/ repeated stress results in disease
understand how neuroendocrine component of stress can result in a threat to health

Question 14

what is eustress?

Answer 14

the stress which helps to motivate us and enhances our performance
too much stress has a negative effect and performance drops off (distress)

Question 15

outline the acute response to stress?

Answer 15

short lasting

initiated by SNS activity and secretion of catecholamines from the medulla (adrenaline and noradrenaline, dopamine)

Question 16

outline the slow stress response?

Answer 16

longer lasting and slower to start and dissipate

caused mainly by action of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex (cortisol)

Question 17

name 3 theories of stress?

Answer 17

stress as a stimulus (Cox 1978)
stress as a transaction (Lazarus 1966)
stress as a response (Selye 1956)

Question 18

describe Selyes theory?

Answer 18

• concerned with bodily psychophysiological response to environmental stressors
• sources can be outside (exogenous), inside (endogenous), environmental or social
• Selye- “stress is a non-specific response of the body”
• GAS- general adaptation syndrome consisting of alarm reaction, resistance and exhaustion

Question 19

describe the alarm stage of GAS?

Answer 19

initiated and controlled by the SNS, affecting the visceral motor organs, brain, heart and muscle
aims to stimulate short term homeostatic control to enable adaptation/ coping
progress dependant on perception of stress, duration of demand and coping mechanisms

Question 20

describe the resistance stage of GAS?

Answer 20

controlled by the endocrine system, especially the hypothalamus
we have limited adaptation energy since all stressors leave signs of wear and tear
either homeostasis is restored or out energy is depleted

Question 21

describe the exhaustion stage of GAS?

Answer 21

signs of the alarm stage reappear as energy runs out and homeostasis fails
stress related illness may occur (“diseases of adaptation”)

Question 22

list the physical indicators of stress?

Answer 22

hypertension
tachycardia
increased respiratory rate 
increased muscle tension
upset stomach
decreased appetite 
indigestion
insomnia
headache
nail biting
nausea

Question 23

list the behavioural indicators of stress?

Answer 23

accidents 
smoking
alcohol
decreased interest
mental block
daydreaming
forgetfulness
family breakdown
social isolation

Question 24

list the emotional indicators of stress?

Answer 24

crying
irritability
depression
tiredness
anxiety 
blaming others
hostility 
emotional outbursts