Stress Psychology: Body's Response to Stress Flashcards
Name the two types of stress
Acute Stress and Chronic Stress
What activates the body’s response to Acute Stress?
The ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) is a part of the nervous system, it is divided into two parts, the Sympathetic branch (Sympathetic Nervous System - SNS) and the Parasympathetic branch.
What does the Parasympathetic branch do?
The parasympathetic system is in charge of relaxation and stress relief after the acute stressor is not present.
What does the SNS do?
From the Sympathetic Nervous System, Noradrenaline is released, to virtually every organ and gland within the body, preparing the body for the rapid action necessary when you are under threat. At the same time the SNS regulates the SAM system (Sympathetic Adrenal Medulla) it tells the adrenal medulla to release adrenaline into the bloodstream to prepare for a fight or flight reaction.
What are the effects of Noradrenaline
Responses include and increase in heart rate, dilated pupils and metabolic changes (e.g. increase in use of glycogen and fat).
What are the effects of the SAM system
The adrenaline produce a variation of effects on the body’s physiology, For example the suppression of non-emergency systems e.g. the digestive system. It also increases the supply of oxygen and glucose to the brain and muscles.
What activates the body’s response to Chronic Stress?
The Pituitary-Adrenal System, also known as HPA (Hypothalamic Pituitary-Adrenal system)
What does the Pituitary-Adrenal System do?
When the brain picks up a Chronic stressor, a message is sent to the Hypothalamus. The Hypothalamus releases a hormone called CRF (Corticotrophic-Releasing Factor) into the bloodstream. It then goes to the pituitary gland which in turn releases ACTH (Adrenocorticotrophic hormone). ACTH then travels to the adrenal glands, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release Cortisol (Corticosteroids).
What are the effects of HPA?
Some effects are positive e.g. quick burst of energy and a lower sensitivity to pain. However there are some negative effects such as: impaired cognitive performance; high blood pressure and weaker immune system.
