The Physiology of stress

Question 1

The Physiology of Stress

Answer 1

Stress is a psychological response to a stressor
Eg: increased heart rate, sweating, breathing etc…
Which can leas to long term effects such as anxiety and depression

Question 2

SAM pathway

Answer 2

A stressor is recognised and sent to the amygdala
Harry Seeley Ate Ashleys Food
Then sent to the hypothalamus which sends and ELECTRICAL signal to the adrenal medulla. The adrenal medulla then releases adrenaline which causes fight or flight to occur

Question 3

PAS pathway

Answer 3

Harry Potter And A Cute Goblin
When the amygdala is sent a stressor it also tells the hypothalamus to release CRF as a CHEMICAL signal into the blood stream. This then causes the pituitary gland to release ACTH which stimulates the adrenal cortex to then release cortisol.

Question 4

The Role of Cortisol

Answer 4

Narrows blood vessels which then increases blood pressure
Allows oxygenated blood to travel around the body quicker
(Helps with fight or flight)

Question 5

What can abnormal levels of cortisol do to the body ?

Answer 5

Prolonged release of cortisol: Develop hypertension, vessel damage, plaque build-up, and cardiovascular disorders
Low levels: Damage in the body like diseases as it helps maintain blood pressure, immune system and the body anti-inflammatory system

Question 6

The GAS model (General Adaption Syndrome)

Answer 6

BY HANS SELYE, 1936
Based on his work with rats
Gave them prolonged stress
Findings- rates became ill (EG: stomach ulcers) when given harmless injections
Concluded the rats became ill from the stress of the injections and humans react the same.

Rats body changes: enlarged adrenal gland, stomach ulcers and shrunk thymus

Question 7

GAS model stages

Answer 7

1. ALARM- trigger of fight or flight
   SAM and PAS pathways are both simultaneously activated
2. RESISTANCE- Our resources are fully mobilised. We resist and deal with the stressor
3. EXHAUSTION- If the stressor continues, our bodies get tired
   Cant keep up with demands and those resources become depleted

Question 8

GAS model implications

Answer 8

The exhaustion stage suggests that we run out of resources when we don’t. Continued stressors have effects on our organs due to excessive hormone production. It makes us vulnerable to illness