BIOLOGICAL - Stress Flashcards
Which part of the brain responds to stress?
Hypothalamus
How does the nervous system carry messages?
Electrical signals that pass along neurons
These rely on neurochemicals at the gaps between neurons
What is the role of the peripheral nervous system (PNS)
Contains sensory and motor pathways.
These enable the brain to be aware of the world and control responses
Which part of the PNS is involved in stress response
Autonomic nervous system
What does the autonomic nervous system do?
Connects the heart with various glands such as the adrenal medulla
Concerned with regulation of internal structures
Works through direct neural stimulation of organs and releasing hormones through glands
What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic branch
Parasympathetic branch
What does arousal of the sympathetic branch lead to?
Bodily arousal
increased heart rate and blood pressure
What does dominance of the sympathetic branch lead to?
Overall bodily calm
What are exocrine glands?
Glands with ducts that secrete products such as tears, sweat and saliva
These reach their destination through ducts
What are endocrine glands?
They secrete hormones concerned with behaviour
They are secreted directly into the blood stream
How does transferal of messages from neurotransmitters differ from the endocrine system
Neurotransmitters can pass on messages in fractions of a second but diffusion of hormones through the endocrine system takes much longer
When is the nervous system used in response to stress?
when an immediate response is required
S.A.M
Sympathetic branch of ANS
Stimulates the adrenal medulla
Describe S.A.M
Stressor Hypothalamus ANS Sympathetic branch Adrenaline and noradrenaline Fight/flight
What response does S.A.M produce?
Fight or flight