Responses to Acute (Sudden) Stressors

Question 1

What are the two nervous systems that are involved in responses to acute stressors?

Answer 1

The sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

Question 2

What happens when the sympathetic nervous system is triggered?

Answer 2

It begins the process of preparing the body for the rapid action necessary for fight or flight.
It sends a signal through to the adrenal medulla which releases adrenaline into the bloodstream.

Question 3

When does the parasympathetic nervous system come into play?

Answer 3

After the threat has passed.

Question 4

What does the parasympathetic nervous system do?

Answer 4

Dampens down the stress response, slows down the heart beet and reduces blood pressure.

Question 5

What happens to digestion when the parasympathetic nervous system is aroused?

Answer 5

Begins again.

Question 6

What happens to the heart beat when adrenaline circulates through the body and why?

Answer 6

Beats faster, this pushes blood to the muscles, heart and other vital organs.

Question 7

What happens to your breathing when adrenaline circulates through the body and why?

Answer 7

Gets faster, so you take up as much oxygen as possible.

Question 8

What does adrenaline trigger in the body when it circulates?

Answer 8

The release of blood sugars (glucose) and fats, which flood into the bloodstream to supply energy to parts of the body associated with flight or flight.