How does stress affect the body? (long term)

Question 1

What systems of the body can stress affect?

Answer 1

1. Nervous systsem
2. Cardiovascular system
3. Musuloskeletal system
4. Endocrine system
5. Respitory system
6. Immune system
7. Digestive system

Question 2

What is adrenaline (epinepherine)

Answer 2

A hormone released by the adrenal glands, which prepares body to fight (by increasing heart rate, breathing, glucose for immediate energy)

Question 3

What is noradrenaline (norepinephrine)?

Answer 3

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands. is more related to the body’s ability to sustain alertness and focus.

Question 4

What is cortisol?

Answer 4

Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and boosts energy by increasing glucose, regulate metabolism and suppresses non-essential functions (like digestion, immunity, reproduction) during emergencies.

Question 5

What is the long and short term effects of stress on the digestive system?

Answer 5

Short term- slows digestion during fight/flight, may cause nausea.
Long term- IBS, ulcers (as it diverts blood flow AWAY from digestive system)

Question 6

What is the short and long term effects of stress of the imune system?

Answer 6

Short term- cortisol inhibits the production of white blood cells.
Weakness- weaknes immunity, making body suceptible to infections, disease, cancer

Question 7

What is the long and short term affect of stress on the endocrine system?

Answer 7

Short term- releases hormones such as cortisol, adrenaline
Long term- elevate cortisol levels over time impair immune function, leads to weight gain

Question 8

What is the long and short term affects of stress on the muscoskeletal system?

Answer 8

• Short term- muscles tension due to fight/flight getting ready for action.
• Long term- chronic muscle tension can lead to muscle fatigue, muscoskeltal diseases

Question 9

What are the long and short term effects of stress on the cardiovascular system?

Answer 9

Short term- inc heart rate/ blood pressure
Long-term- puts strain on heart, inc risk for heart disease and stroke

Question 10

What is the long termeffect of stress on the NS?

Answer 10

Long term- may disregulate the HPA axis over time

Question 11

What is the HPA axis?

Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal axi

Answer 11

the body’s central stress response system involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which work together to release cortisol during stress.

Hypothalamus → releases CRH

Pituitary gland → releases ACTH

Adrenal glands → release cortisol