Stress Flashcards
What is the role of the hypothalamus in the HPA system?
When stressors are perceived, it receives a message and acts as a control centre for the production of hormones.
Where is the hypothalamus located?
In the centre of the brain.
What is the ANS? What does it consist of?
Autonomic Nervous System - operates automatically.
It consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems.
What are the negative effects of cortisol?
Too much results in a decrease in cognitive performance (the process by which knowledge is consumed)
Higher blood pressure and lowered immune system response.
What is the role of the parasympathetic nervous system?
To relax us, conserve energy and bring us back to our normal state.
Eg. Pupils contract, heart rate decreases, stomach activity increases, glucose is stored.
What is a stressor?
Anything which causes stress.
What are the two main types of stress?
Acute stress (short term) Eg - a fight
Chronic stress (long term) Eg - a stressful job
Where is the pituitary gland?
At the base of the brain near the hypothalamus.
What does PVN stand for?
Paraventricular nucleus - a region of the hypothalamus links to the production of CRF - corticotrophin releasing factor.
What are the two major systems in the stress response?
1) Sypathathetic adrenal medullary pathway
2) Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal system
What is the adrenal cortex and what is its role?
The outside layer of adrenal glands.
-Responsible for the release of cortisol.
What are the positive effects of cortisol?
Energy release, painkilling, helps fight viral infection.
What is CRF?
Corticotrophin releasing factor.
A chemical responsible for the release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone from the pituitary gland.
What is a hormone?
Substance produced by a gland or an organ which circulates the body only affecting certain parts of it.
What is cortisol?
A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex.
