stress Flashcards
The body enters into the exhaustion stage after prolonged stress, leading to depletion of energy in certain systems: Nervous and <_____________> are depleted of energy
immune systems
The body’s response to stress occurs in how many stages?
3
What is the Autonomic Nervous System responsible for?
The Autonomic Nervous System is responsible for controlling involuntary bodily functions such as heart rate, digestion, and breathing
The physiological responses of increased heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels are governed by what branch of the autonomic nervous system?
Sympathetic branch
What is the general adaptation syndrome?
The general adaptation syndrome is a three-stage model of the body’s response to stress
General Adaptation Syndrome was developed based on observations of what type of responses in rats?
Increased adrenal secretions
The brain’s distress signal is sent to which part of the brain during Stage 1 of stress response?
Hypothalamus
Hans Selye
First described effect of psychological stress on the body/ symptoms recorded: Fever, loss of appetite, tiredness/sleepiness, more active immune systems
What did Selye infer from these findings?
Threats to the body result in both specific effects and generalised responses
3 stages of General Adaptation Syndrome
Alarm reaction, Resistance, Exhaustion
What can trigger the onset of General Adaptation Syndrome?
Physical or psychological threats
The body adapts to prolonged stress by doing what?
Decreasing activity
How does stress affect immune system functioning
Stress can have a negative impact on immune system functioning, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and other health problems
What triggers the release of adrenaline and cortisol during the “fight or flight” response?
Glucocorticoids
The adrenal glands secrete what hormone to keep the body alert?
Cortisol
parasympathetic responses try to bring the body back to normal functioning during which stage of stress response?
resistance stage
Alarm Phase is characterized by what three conditions?
Hypertension, MCI, Depression
definition of stress
Stress is a psychological and physiological response to a perceived threat or challenge
<_____________> Conducts signals to and from the brain, controls reflex activities and secretes cortisol which keeps the body alert
adrenal glands
effect of prolonged stress
High levels of cortisol over an extended period may impair the function of the hippocampus and contribute to a phenomenon known as hippocampal atrophy, where there is a reduction in the size of the hippocampus.
What hormones are released by the hypothalamus?
Glucocorticoids
Stage 1: Alarm Distress signal sent to the _______-enables the release of hormones called ________, which trigger the release of _____ and _____
hypothalamus
glucocorticoids
cortisol and adrenaline
What nervous system governs the physiological responses triggered by adrenaline/ aka the fight or flight response?
These physiological responses are governed by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) sympathetic branch.
What are the two main divisions of the Autonomic Nervous System?
Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
What is the function of the Parasympathetic division?
Rest and digest response
What is the function of the Sympathetic division?
Fight or flight response
cortisol functions
Increases blood sugar levels to provide energy for sustained stress/Modulates the immune system to control inflammation/ Aids in the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.
Adrenaline functions
Increases heart rate and blood flow to muscles/ Dilates air passages in the lungs to improve oxygen intake/ Redirects blood flow to essential organs, preparing the body for quick action.
What is Dual System Theory?
Stress manifests in two places in the body
Physiological Response to Stress
A. Role of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
B. Release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
C. Culmination in the release of cortisol for the ‘fight or flight’ response
What are the two systems involved in the stress response?
- Autonomic nervous system (ANS)
- Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA Axis)
Neurological Implications of Chronic Stress
A. Cognitive impairments: negatively impact the hippocampus—a brain region crucial for memory and learning. These cognitive impairments can affect both academic and occupational performance.
B. Deficits in memory and executive functions
C. Association with mood disorders: depression and anxiety
D. Implications for neurological health: hippocampal atrophy/also influence the connections between neurons, known as synaptic plasticity
What does the sympathetic nervous system do?
Prepares body for emergency
What are the acute responses to stress?
Fight or flight (SNS) activity, Adrenaline and Noradrenaline release, Heart rate and blood pressure increase
What is HPA axis dysfunction associated with?
Depressive disorder
What does the hypothalamus release in response to chronic stress?
Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH
What hormone is released by the anterior pituitary gland in response to CRH?
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
What is a pathogen?
Bacteria, virus, or micro-organism that causes disease
What is the process by which foreign microorganisms and debris are consumed and destroyed?
Phagocytosis
What type of cells eat pathogens during phagocytosis?
Phagocyte cells (macrophages, microglia)
What do phagocytes release after phagocytosis?
Cytokines
Critical Evaluation of stress research
Individual variability in stress responses.
Methodological variations in stressor types and measurement techniques.
Importance of critical evaluation for a nuanced understanding.
structure of stress essay
intro
physiological response to stress
Structural Changes in the Brain
Neurological Implications of Chronic Stress
Critical Evaluation of Research
conclusion
