Stress-Physiology of Stress

Question 1

What is stress caused by?

Answer 1

Stressors following events in the bodies autonomic NS

Question 2

What is the SAM (sympathomedullary pathway) and how does it work?

Answer 2

1) -The hypothalamus activates ANS -> Adrenal medulla releases adrenaline
2) -Adrenaline prepares body for fight or flight response

Question 3

What is the Pituitary Adrenal System and how does it work?

Answer 3

In response to a stressful situation the hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland, causing ACTH to be released, stimulating the adrenal cortex to release corticosteroids such as cortisol

Question 4

What is cortisol?

Answer 4

‘Stress Hormones’

Question 5

What can be a result of excessive cortisol?

Answer 5

Crushing’s syndrome occurs when your body makes too much cortisol over a long period of time

Question 6

What does cortisol do?

Answer 6

Cortisol helps regulate blood glucose levels, maintains blood pressure and cardiovascular function and regulates metabolism of proteins, carbs and fats

Question 7

Who developed the GAS (general adaptation syndrome)

Answer 7

Hans Selye (1936)

Question 8

How did Hans Selye develop the syndrome?

Answer 8

Based on his work with rats and later patients:

1) -Selye predicted a non-specific response to a stressor
2) -Rats in his research would become ill when undergoing stressful events
3) -Concluded rats became ill for stress of injections and humans also react that way

Question 9

What was the conclusion from Selye’s experiment?

Answer 9

That there was a 3 stage set of physiological processes to stress:
1-The initial alarm reaction stage which occurs shortly after the stressful event
2-Followed by a resistance stage, during which body’s ANS resist impact of stressful stimulus
3-Finally, if stress continues, the exhaustion stage, when body fails to cope with distressing stimulus

Question 10

Positives of Selye’s research?

Answer 10

• Experimental therefore objective measure is possible

- Supported by a lot of scientific research

Question 11

Negatives of Selye’s research?

Answer 11

• GAS ignores the individual differences that characterise humans, e.g. gender, personality
• The GAS suggests a universal response to stress, however individual differences can modify the effects of stress