U3 AOS 1 - DP5

Question 1

Gut-brain axis

Answer 1

the connection between the central nervous system and the enteric nervous system, that enables bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut

Question 2

Enteric nervous system

Answer 2

a subdivision of the autonomic nervous system; it consists of nerve cells lining the gastrointestinal tract and controls the digestive system

Question 3

Vagus nerve

Answer 3

a nerve that connects the brain to organs within the autonomic nervous system, via nerve fibres that directly link organs such as the lungs, heart, oesophagus and intestinal tract

Question 4

Microbe

Answer 4

a microscopic living thing found in water, soil and the air

Question 5

Gut microbiota

Answer 5

the microbe population found in the gut (digestive system)

Question 6

Effects of stress

Answer 6

Increased cortisol and high stress levels lead to changes to gut microbiota, associated with anxiety and depression

Long term stress releases cortisol which when prolonged the immune system weakens

Reduces gut health

Foods you eat influence your microbiome.
Fermented foods increase microbiota diverse.