Bio 1 - Adrenaline & Acute Stress: Description

Question 1

The automatic nervous system has 2 functions:

Answer 1

1. The sympathetic branch occurs first when stressed.
2. The parasympathetic branch tries to conserve energy; decrease heart rate & pupil contraction etc
   Returns the body back to a state of normality

Question 2

The SAM System:

Answer 2

Sympathetic adrenal medullary system
1st response to stress: sympathomedullary pathway
Hypothamalus
Triggers symp branch
Stimulates adrenal medulla
Releases adrenaline and noradrenaline
These hormones stimulate symp ganglia and prepare body for fight/flight response

Question 3

Physiological effects of stress:

Answer 3

Sudden and severe stress (acute) generally produces:
-Inc blood pressure
-Inc heart rate
-Sweating
-Muscle tremmors
-Pale skin

Question 4

Initial response to shock= SAM System

Answer 4

Activity causes adrenal medulla to release adrenale and noradrenaline
This leads to arousal of the sympathetic nervous system and reduction of activity in the parasympathetic nervous system

Question 5

Fight/Flight Response:

Answer 5

SAM System- fight/flight
Changes caused by adrenaline and noradrenaline gets the body ready for action
-Diverts blood from non-essential areas
-Oxygen is carried to muscles
-Energy stores are released
-Blood vessels are constricted
-Digestion slows
Gives us the resources to act offensively (fight) or defensively (flight)

Question 6

Effects on the heart:

Answer 6

High lvls of adren and noraden effects the heart and are linked with cardiovascular disorders.
Timo et al: Carried out research on mice and med students, in ind w thickened arteries, the stress caused an increase in WBC- causes inflammation and small lesions causing platelets and clotting protiens to rush and fill the wound- inc risk of clot which can lead to heart attacks