Stress

Question 1

Definition of stress

Answer 1

discrepancy between perceived demands and perceived ability to cope

Question 2

Endocrine

Answer 2

hormonal

Question 3

Release of adrenaline and noradrenaline causes…

Answer 3

1) Glucose metabolism (energy increases in muscles)
2) increasing cardiac activity
3) increasing blood pressure
- > body prepares for fight-or-flight response

Question 4

Release of steroid stress hormones causes…

Answer 4

1) Stored fats and proteins are converted into energy
2) suppression of the immune system
3) increased calcium release in the brain causes higher brain alertness

Question 5

Steroid stress hormones include…

Answer 5

1) Glucocorticoids

Others are cortisol, cortisone, hydrocortisone, corticosterone

Question 6

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA axis)

Answer 6

mediates the endocrine and central nervous system stress response

Question 7

adrenal glands

Answer 7

located above the kidneys
release steroids from their cortex (outside layer)
release (nor)adrenaline from their medulla (inside layer)

Question 8

pituitary gland

Answer 8

located in brain

releases adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)

Question 9

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)

Answer 9

released from the pituitary gland, activates the adrenal glands

Question 10

hypothalamus

Answer 10

located in brain

releases adrenocorticotrophic hormone-releasing factor (ACTH-RF) or Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Question 11

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone-releasing factor (ACTH-RF) or Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Answer 11

released from the hypothalamus, activates the pituitary gland

Question 12

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH)

Answer 12

=Adrenocorticotrophic hormone-releasing factor (ACTH-RF)

Question 13

Describe sensitivity of HPA system

Answer 13

highly sensitive to change, only mild unexpected stimuli trigger the release of CRH and the secretion of corticosterone,
but if the stimulus is harmless, activation quickly dies away without negative impacts,
if the stimulus is persistently perceived as requiring high vigilance, then higher brain centres override any negative feedback from corticosterone and the endocrine response continues

Question 14

Autonomic nervous system (ANS)

Answer 14

additional stress response triggered by the hypothalamus, activates the adrenal medulla and thus release of (nor)adrenaline

Question 15

Health risks of prolonged stress

Answer 15

Prolonged elevation of glucocorticoid levels can lead to diabetes, cancer, ulcers, increased blood cholesterol and even a shrinkage of the hippocampus