Stress response [ENDOCRINE SYSTEM]

Question 1

When is the stress response triggered?

Answer 1

When the brain senses a threat in the environment

Question 2

What are the 2 branches of the stress response?

Answer 2

ACUTE + CHRONIC

Question 3

What is the acute stress response?

Answer 3

A short term reflex

Question 4

What is the chronic stress response?

Answer 4

A long term stressor

Question 5

How does an acute stress response work?

Answer 5

HYPOTHALAMUS triggers the SYMPATHETIC branch of the ANS to signal the ADRENAL MEDULLA to release the hormone ADRENALINE into the bloodstream

Question 6

In the stress response how does the sympathetic nervous system alter the body to a sympathetic state? (5)

Answer 6

increases heart rate
increases breathing rate
dilated pupils
inhibits digestion 
muscles contract

Question 7

What happens once the threat has passed?

Answer 7

The parasympathetic nervous system returns the body to its resting state

Question 8

Why is the fight or flight response not fully useful?

Answer 8

In modern day, the response can be triggered by lesser stressors, therefore the response may not be necessary

Question 9

What are the practical applications of fight or flight response?

Answer 9

Understanding the hormones has allowed doctors to develop drugs to help with conditions such as anxiety, or using CBT to counteract these responses

Question 10

Why do individual differences need to be considered in the fight or flight response?

Answer 10

Women are more likely to have the ‘tend and befriend’ response due to higher levels of oestrogen = gender differences