Cortisol and stress Flashcards
What kind of hormone is cortisol
Lipid-soluble (Make sure you know what that means)
When is cortisol secretion highest
Highest when you wake up (disturbances to normal sleep pattern can affect pathway)
What does cortisol do
Response to stress;
Increases blood glucose
Increases fat, protein and carbohydrate metabolism
promotes anti-inflammatory actions
increases blood pressure
Increases heart and blood vessel tone (contraction)
Activations of CNS
What is the body’s stress response
Activates hypothalamus, which organises a response by activating Adrenal glands, Sympathetic NS, Posterior pituitary lobe.
Body responds
What are 3 types of stress
Emotional, environmental, physical
What does the stress response do
Increases - Blood glucose, blood pressure, heart rate, blood volume
Decreases - Water excretion
Is stress always harmful
No. Short term stress is good (For in life and death situation) But prolonged stress can cause heart attacks
