Stress as a physiological process KKDP7

Question 1

Fight-Flight-Freeze response:

Answer 1

When confronted by a perceived stressor, the sympathetic nervous system activates this response. It increases our arousal and alertness, thus increasing our ability to successfully deal with the stressor and our chances of survival.

Question 2

Cortisol:

Answer 2

Important steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

Question 3

Cortisol 2:

Answer 3

Essential for the maintenance of homeostasis. Involved in many biological functions e.g blood pressure

Question 4

Cortisol short:

Answer 4

Short term, its effects on the body are positive as it increases our chance of survival

Question 5

Cortisol long:

Answer 5

Long term OR prolonged stress results in negative effects on the body, and can create high blood pressure and lowered immunity.

Question 6

GAS is:

Answer 6

Non-specific and will occur whatever the source of stressor

Question 7

Three stages of GAS:

Answer 7

Alarm reaction (Shock & Counter shock)
Resistance Stage
Exhaustion Stage

Question 8

Alarm Reaction:

Answer 8

A general defensive reaction to the stressor, results in a state of tension and a readiness to respond to the stressor.

Question 9

Shock:

Answer 9

Occurs when the person (or animal) first becomes aware of the stressor, and body goes in a temporary state of shock. Thus ability to deal with the stressor falls below its normal level. E.G blood pressure drops, fainting

Question 10

Counter-shock:

Answer 10

Sympathetic NS is activated and resistance to the stressor increases.

Question 11

Resistance stage:

Answer 11

Body’s resistance to the stressor rises above normal. Cortisol released to futher energise the body.
Symptom: immune system weakened.

Question 12

Exhaustion stage:

Answer 12

If stressor is not dealt with, organism enters exhaustion. Body’s resources have been depleted, thus vulnerable to physical and mental disorders.
Symptom: extreme fatigue, high fever, high levels of anxiety