Stress

Question 1

What are the 2 types of stress?

Answer 1

Short-term (ACUTE)
• common
• brief in duration
• triggers “fight or flight”
• cause feelings of exhaustion, worry and tension

Long-term (CHRONIC)
• last for weeks / years
• triggers response prepares body for long-term stress
(Ex: personal health issues)

Question 2

What are the IMPACTS of stress and the stress response?

Answer 2

• headaches
• insomnia
• stomach pain
• muscle tension
• weakened immune system
• high blood pressure
• inability to concentrate

Question 3

What are the 2 stress response pathways?

Answer 3

1. Acute / short-term (fight or flight)
   • activates the sympathetic nervous system as the body prepares for a quick response to a threat / stress. Involves hormones (epinephrine and norepinephrine) released from the adrenal medulla to increase blood pressure.
2. Chronic / long-term
   • more changes to body processes such as increased blood pressure, increased levels of glucose in the blood, etc.

Question 4

Short-term (acute) stress response

Answer 4

Epinephrine (adrenaline)
• when released it causes an increase in heart rate, opening of airways and sugar metabolism

Question 5

Norepinephrine

Answer 5

• released as a fight or flight response
• found as a neurotransmitter
• brings about changes to blood vessels that result in increased blood pressure

Question 6

Long-term (chronic) stress response

Answer 6

Glucocorticoid
• steroid hormones released by the adrenal cortex - help reduce inflammation

Question 7

Cortisol (stress hormone)

Answer 7

• steroid hormone that suppresses the immune system
• help breakdown fat, protein, carbs - more glucose

Question 8

Mineralocorticoid

Answer 8

• steroid hormone released by the adrenal cortex that influence salt and water balances (influence blood pressure)

Question 9

What glands are involved in stress?

Answer 9

• adrenal glands