BIOLOGICAL- The body's stress response

Question 1

What is the central nervous system comprised of?

Answer 1

The BRAIN and SPINAL CORD

Question 2

What is the peripheral nervous system (PNS)?

Answer 2

It contains SENSORY and MOTOR PATHWAYS that enable the brain to be AWARE of it’s surroundings and CONTROL RESPONSES.

Question 3

What part of the PNS is involved in the body’s response to stress?

Answer 3

The AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM (ANS)

Question 4

What does the ANS do?

Answer 4

The nerve fibres that branch off of the ANS connect internal structures such as VARIOUS GLANDS, the HEART, the CIRCULATORY SYSTEM and the DIGESTIVE SYSTEM,

Question 5

Name the two divisions of the ANS

Answer 5

The SYMPATHETIC BRANCH

The PARASYMPATHETIC BRANCH

Question 6

Which branch becomes aroused when the body is stressed?

Answer 6

The SYMPATHETIC BRANCH

Question 7

Which part of the brain signals to the sympathetic branch to become aroused?

Answer 7

The HYPOTHALAMUS

Question 8

What happens to the body when the sympathetic branch is aroused/dominant?

Answer 8

It leads to a pattern of BODILY AROUSAL. The heart rate increases as does bloody pressure.

Question 9

What is the result of arousal of the parasympathetic branch?

Answer 9

It leads to bodily calm.

Question 10

Give the 6 steps of PAC (Pituitary gland-Adrenal Cortex)

Answer 10

1 Stressor acts on hypothalamus
2 Hypothalamus activates Pituitary gland releases ACTH
3 ACTH stimulates adrenal cortex
4 Adrenal cortex releases coticosteriods into the blood stream
5 Corticosteroids suppress immune system
6 Conversion of fat and protein into energy is made easier

Question 11

Give the 5 steps of SAM (Sympathetic branch- Adrenal Medulla)

Answer 11

1 Stressor acts on hypothalamus
2 Hypothalamus activates sympathetic branch of ANS
3 Sympathetic branch stimulates the adrenal medulla
4 Adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline
5 adrenaline and noradrenaline increase blood pressure and heart