Stress and Health Flashcards
What are the two systems featured in the 2-system model of stress?
Sympathetic Nervous System and the HPA Axis
What part of the brain controls both the Sympathetic NS and the HPA Axis?
Hypothalamus
What adrenal hormone is secreted from the sympathetic NS?
Epinephrine and Norepinephrine
What adrenal hormone is secreted from the HPA axis?
Cortisol
What part of the adrenal gland does epinephrine and norepinephrine come from?
Adrenal Medulla
What part of the adrenal gland does cortisol come from?
Adrenal Cortex
What are some examples of effects from a stress response on the nervous system?
Increase HR, decrease digestion, increase sweat, dry mouth, and stomach problems
Describe the HPA axis
Hypothalamus to Anterior Pituitary Gland to Adrenal Cortex
What results in more negative feedback, more or less glucocorticoid receptors?
More glucocorticoid receptors and the system turns off more quickly
List 4 functions of cortisol in the body, as it pertains to stress response
Increase availability of sugar for cells, activates hippocampus for memory formation, depresses immune system, and decreases inflammation
What are 2 things about a stressor that can influence the stress response?
Duration and Intensity
What is a factor that can affect the expression of glucocorticoid receptors?
Early life experience including nurture or neglect/abuse
What are 2 ways social support can affect the stress response?
Decreases the intensity of the stress response and increases speed of recovery from a stressor
What is the consequence of chronic increased cardiovascular tone due to ongoing stress?
Hypertension (high blood pressure)
What is the consequence of chronic inhibition of digestion due to ongoing stress?
Ulcers
What is the consequence of chronic suppression of immunity and inflammatory responses due to ongoing stress?
Impaired disease resistance
What is the consequence of chronic neural responses, including altered cognition due to ongoing stress?
More and faster neural degeneration during aging
What are 2 effects of chronic stress in the hippocampus?
Atrophy of dendrites and decreased neurodegeneration
What is an example of chronic stress affecting the amygdala and hippocampus in opposite ways?
Dendritic atrophy in the hippocampus and dendritic expansion in the amygdala
What are 3 effects of chronic stress on reproductive physiology and/or behavior?
Decreased sex drive, dysregulation of menstrual cycle, erectile dysfunction
