nervous system and stress Flashcards
What is a neuro transmitter?
A chemical substance that carries information between neurons
Define stress
A psychobiological process by which we enter a state of both physiological and psychological arousal
- a response to when we believe something exceeds our ability to cope
What is the fight - flight - freeze response
Functions of cortisol
Explain the bidirectional relationship between the brain and gut
Define context specific effectiveness
Define coping flexibility
Two main roles of the somatic NS
- Sends sensory messages received by sensory receptors in the body to the CNS
- sends motor messages from the CNS to the body under voluntary control
Autonomic NS
Concerned with internal bodily functions not usually under our conscious, voluntary control
Sympathetic NS
- Dominates when we are under threat
- Activates most internal muscles, organs and glands to deal with stress or when threatened.
- Releases adrenalin, increased heart rate, dilate pupils etc. Some functions are suppressed.
Parasympathetic NS
Difference between neurotransmitters and neuromodulators?
Dopamine
Serotonin
GABA
Glutamate
Define synaptic plasticity
Define LTP
Define LTD
Sprouting
Rerouting
Pruning
What are the main processes in a spinal reflex?
Explain the difference between afferent and efferent neurons
Function of brain?
Function of spinal chord?
What is the role of the nervous system
- Receive sensory info
- Integrate and process info
- coordinate appropriate responses
What is the role of cortisol
Allows our body to remain in an aroused, highly alert state for long periods of time
- boosts energy levels by increasing glucose levels
- is anti-inflammatory
- diverts energy from non-essential functions
- increases alertness
Define chronic stress
Why is stress a psychobiological process?
What is the GAS model of stress?
Used to explain the physiological response to stress.
Define acute stress
What is the Lazarus and Folkman transactional model of stress?
Involves the encounter between and an individual and their environment. A psychological model of stress where stress is judged based on
What are effects of prolonged cortisol release?
It suppresses the immune system and can make you vulnerable to disease and illness
Which neurotransmitter is involved in LTP?
glutamate
Which neurotransmitter is involved in LTP?
Glutamate
Define a stressor
A stimulus that causes or leads to a stress response
Eustress
A positive psychological response to a stressor
- increases alertness and energises
Distress
A negative psychological response to a stressor
- inhibits ability to perform and cope
- occurs when we feel we have no control
The vagus nerve
