L50. Stress Physiology

Question 1

Give the 3 stages in “general adaptation syndrome” for stress.

Answer 1

alarm reaction
resistance phase (adapting to receptor)
exhaustive phase

Question 2

Which system and hormone glands control the alarm response?

Answer 2

Sympathetic nerves system (neural
Adrenal glands (hormonal)

Question 3

Name a hormone which increases cardiac output.

Answer 3

Adrenaline

Question 4

Name the main stress hormone and what is does.

Answer 4

Cortisol (steroid) enhances the action of adrenaline and has anti-inflammatory properties.

Question 5

Why can corticosteroid drug treatment be dangerous?

Answer 5

It inhibits macrophages and lymphocytes so there is more illness during stress.

Question 6

Describe the pathway from the stressor to cortisol release.

Answer 6

Stressor > hypothalamus > anterior pituitary > adrenal cortex > cortisol release

Question 7

What is stress analgesia?

Answer 7

The suppression of pain during physical stress to due CNS endorphin release.