Stress Flashcards
What is stress?
Stress is the reaction of both the mind and body to external stimuli, it is a hardwired physical response that travels through the entire body. It is experienced when we are challenged or overwhelmed.
What is the Autonomic Nervous System?
It is a self governing system that regulates and balances the internal organs of our bodies. It’s reaction to stress is similar to that of fear
What two elements is the Autonomic Nervous System split into
Sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
What is the difference between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems
The sympathetic is involved in preparing the body for stress related activities
The parasympathetic is involved in returning the body to it’s day to day operations after the stressful event has ended
What do the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems have in common?
They both operate in union to maintain the body’s homeostasis
What is the Sympathetic System?
It is a flight or fight response to external stimuli like stress. Its activation is normal during high physical and emotional stress but its sustained activation is abnormal and may affect the body and mind
What is the parasympathetic system?
It stimulates rest and digestion response to conserves the body’s natural activity by balancing the sympathetic systems
What are the effects of the parasympathetic nervous system ?
pupils constrict
salivation stimulated
constricts bronchi and heart rate decreases
Stimulates digestive activity and gallbladder
adrenaline production is inhibited
bladder contracts and rectum relaxes
What are the effects of the sympathetic nervous system?
Pupils dilate salivation inhibited bronchi relax and heart rate increases digestive activity inbits glucose release by liver is stimulated
adnrenaline is released
bladder relaxes
orgasm, ejaculation
rectum contracts
