Stress

Question 1

what are the 3 stages in the general adaptation syndrome (Seyle) in stress

Answer 1

1 - alarm reaction (fight, fright, flight)
2 - resistance phase (adapting to stressor)
3 - exhaustion phase (if stress persistent/ severe systems fail)

Question 2

What controls the neural component of the alarm reaction and what effects does it have

Answer 2

sympathetic nervous system 
increased cardiac output 
redistribution of cardiac output to key muscles 
stimulates adrenaline release 
glycogen to glucose breakdown

Question 3

what are the two hormones involved in the alarm reaction

Answer 3

adrenaline

glucocorticoids - e.g cortisol

Question 4

what effects does cortisol have on the body

Answer 4

metabolic - increased energy production
enhances the actions of adrenaline
anti- inflammatory
immunosuppression

Question 5

why do people often get ill during times of stress

Answer 5

cortisol acts as an immmunosuppressant and inhibits immune cells such as macrophages and t helper cells

Question 6

corticosteroid therapy

Answer 6

some patients take corticosteroids as anti-inflammatories to treat conditions such as arthritis

Question 7

stress analgesia

Answer 7

refers to pain being diminished during physical stress e.g sports, battle due to release of endorphins etc which diminish nociception and pain

Question 8

type A individuals

Answer 8

competitive, more stress, higher BP