Week 2: Stress w/ Guest Speaker Sarah Alonzi Flashcards
What are the two different types of stress response?
A: Chronic physical stress & acute psychological stress
B: Acute physical stress & chronic psychological stress
C: Physical and psychological stress, both of which have identical responses in the body
B: Acute physical stress & chronic psychological stress
Describe the acute physical stress response:
A: Acute physical stress is a prolonged form of stress that results in a gradual and sustained activation of the body’s “rest and digest” response. This type of stress is characterized by a state of calmness and relaxation.
B: Acute physical stress refers to short-term stress that causes an immediate “fight or flight” response in the body. It involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, mobilizing energy and resources to help the body respond to and cope with an immediate threat or demand. Examples include being chased by a bear or experiencing a car crash.
C: Acute physical stress is a psychological phenomenon unrelated to physiological responses. It involves the conscious mental effort to focus and concentrate on specific tasks, without any impact on the body’s fight or flight mechanisms.
B: Acute physical stress refers to short-term stress that causes an immediate “fight or flight” response in the body. It involves activation of the sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, mobilizing energy and resources to help the body respond to and cope with an immediate threat or demand. Examples include being chased by a bear or experiencing a car crash
Describe the chronic psychological stress response:
A: Chronic psychological stress refers to long-term stress that involves prolonged activation of the stress response without adequate relaxation or recovery periods. Examples include stressors like caring for a chronically ill child or having a job with long, stressful hours and little recovery time between shifts. Chronic stress can occur when the stress response is activated frequently or continuously over an extended period of time due to ongoing psychological or emotional demands rather than physical threats. This type of stress is harmful to your health.
B: Chronic psychological stress is a temporary and intermittent state of stress that has minimal impact on overall health. It is characterized by occasional emotional challenges that do not accumulate or persist over time.
C: Chronic psychological stress is a beneficial and adaptive response that enhances mental resilience and fortitude. This form of stress contributes to personal growth and development without posing any health risks.
A: Chronic psychological stress refers to long-term stress that involves prolonged activation of the stress response without adequate relaxation or recovery periods. Examples include stressors like caring for a chronically ill child or having a job with long, stressful hours and little recovery time between shifts. Chronic stress can occur when the stress response is activated frequently or continuously over an extended period of time due to ongoing psychological or emotional demands rather than physical threats. This type of stress is harmful to your health.
What are the two branches of the autonomic nervous system and what does the autonomic nervous system do?
A: The two branches of the autonomic nervous system are Central & Peripheral, and the autonomic nervous system is responsible for conscious control of bodily functions.
B: The autonomic nervous system comprises Sensory & Motor branches, and its primary function is to regulate only voluntary actions, leaving involuntary bodily functions uncontrolled.
C: Sympathetic & Parasympathetic. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system functioning largely unconsciously (involuntary) and regulating bodily functions such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.
C: Sympathetic & Parasympathetic. The autonomic nervous system is the part of the peripheral nervous system that acts as a control system functioning largely unconsciously (involuntary) and regulating bodily functions such as the heart rate, digestion, respiratory rate, pupillary response, urination, and sexual arousal.
How does the sympathetic nervous system work?
A: The sympathetic nervous system is inactive and plays no role in the body’s responses to stress or threats. It remains dormant during such situations, allowing other systems to manage physiological changes.
B: The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for inducing a state of relaxation and calmness in the body. Its activation leads to a decrease in heart rate, blood pressure, and pupil dilation, promoting a state of rest and recovery.
C: The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the autonomic nervous system that is dominant (activated) in situations of stress or perceived threats. It prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses through actions like:
- Increasing heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilation of pupils
- Constriction of blood vessels in the skin and digestive system
- Redirection of blood flow to muscles
- Raising blood glucose levels through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis
Its activation helps mobilize energy and resources to help the body respond to and cope with immediate threats or demands.
C: The sympathetic nervous system is the part of the autonomic nervous system that is dominant (activated) in situations of stress or perceived threats. It prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses through actions like:
- Increasing heart rate and blood pressure
- Dilation of pupils
- Constriction of blood vessels in the skin and digestive system
- Redirection of blood flow to muscles
- Raising blood glucose levels through glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis
Its activation helps mobilize energy and resources to help the body respond to and cope with immediate threats or demands.
How does the parasympathetic nervous system work?
A: The parasympathetic nervous system is the active component during stress, working in tandem with the sympathetic system to intensify the “fight or flight” responses. It accelerates heart rate, constricts blood vessels, and redirects blood flow away from non-essential functions.
B: The parasympathetic nervous system is the complementary division of the autonomic nervous system to the sympathetic nervous system. While the sympathetic system prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses to stress, the parasympathetic system acts to calm the body down (homeostasis) and is dominant during rest and relaxation (“rest and digest,” “feed and breed”). It slows the heart rate and activates functions like digestion. The parasympathetic nervous system is “suppressed” under stress, as its functions like digestion are not prioritized when the body’s resources are mobilized for coping with threats.
C: The parasympathetic nervous system is entirely unrelated to stress responses and operates independently of the sympathetic system. It has no impact on physiological changes during stress and is solely responsible for functions like digestion and relaxation.
B: The parasympathetic nervous system is the complementary division of the autonomic nervous system to the sympathetic nervous system. While the sympathetic system prepares the body for “fight or flight” responses to stress, the parasympathetic system acts to calm the body down (homeostasis) and is dominant during rest and relaxation (“rest and digest,” “feed and breed”). It slows the heart rate and activates functions like digestion. The parasympathetic nervous system is “suppressed” under stress, as its functions like digestion are not prioritized when the body’s resources are mobilized for coping with threats.
What are catecholamines?
A: Catecholamines are neurotransmitters and hormones that include epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine. They are released during stress and activate the sympathetic nervous system. Catecholamines are released by the adrenal medulla in response to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during stress. This helps mobilize energy and resources to cope with threats through physiological effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure.
B: Catecholamines are exclusively hormones and have no role as neurotransmitters in the body. They are released independently of stress and do not activate the sympathetic nervous system.
C: Catecholamines are only released by the adrenal cortex and have no connection to the activation of the sympathetic nervous system during stress. They function solely as hormones and are not involved in the body’s response to threats.
A: Catecholamines are neurotransmitters and hormones that include epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and dopamine. They are released during stress and activate the sympathetic nervous system. Catecholamines are released by the adrenal medulla in response to activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis during stress. This helps mobilize energy and resources to cope with threats through physiological effects like increased heart rate and blood pressure.
What is the HPA Axis and how does it work?
A: The HPA Axis is a minor contributor to the stress response and has minimal impact on cortisol release. Its functions are largely unrelated to the physiological effects observed during stress.
B: The HPA Axis operates independently of stress and is primarily responsible for regulating sleep patterns. It has no direct involvement in the mobilization of energy stores or the increase in blood sugar levels during stressful situations.
C: The HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis plays a role in the stress response (general adaptation syndrome). When a stressor is detected, the hypothalamus releases CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), which signals the pituitary gland to release ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH then signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol and other glucocorticoids. Cortisol mobilizes energy stores and increases blood sugar. It is a key player in the physiological response to stress. Activation of the HPA axis is what leads to increased cortisol levels and other downstream effects of stress on the body. The process is linear.
C: The HPA (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis plays a role in the stress response (general adaptation syndrome). When a stressor is detected, the hypothalamus releases CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), which signals the pituitary gland to release ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH then signals the adrenal glands to release cortisol and other glucocorticoids. Cortisol mobilizes energy stores and increases blood sugar. It is a key player in the physiological response to stress. Activation of the HPA axis is what leads to increased cortisol levels and other downstream effects of stress on the body. The process is linear.
What are the 2 different physiological responses to a stressful event?
A: Physical and emotional
B: Threat & challenge
C: Passive and active
B: Threat & challenge
Describe threat:
A: A state where a person perceives that the demands on their body are greater than their resources to cope with those demands. A person will be in a state of threat when they decide that the demands placed upon them exceed their available coping resources. This type of appraisal elicits a more prolonged stress response compared to when a situation is perceived as a challenge.
B: Threat is a state where a person perceives that the demands on their body are minimal, and they have excessive resources to cope with any demands. It is a state of complete ease and relaxation.
C: Threat is a subjective feeling unrelated to external demands or resources. It is a state of emotional neutrality with no physiological responses associated with stress.
A: A state where a person perceives that the demands on their body are greater than their resources to cope with those demands. A person will be in a state of threat when they decide that the demands placed upon them exceed their available coping resources. This type of appraisal elicits a more prolonged stress response compared to when a situation is perceived as a challenge.
> Autonomic response
HPA response
Perception (appraisal) + response
EXAMPLE: Tough exam - “yikes, this is beyond me” - stressed to distraction
Describe challenge:
A: A state where a person perceives that their resources or coping abilities are greater than or equal to the demands placed upon them by a stressor. A person will view a situation as a challenge when their perceived resource limits are greater than the demands of the stressor. This type of appraisal is associated with a less damaging physiological stress response compared to perceiving a situation as a threat.
B: Challenge is a state where a person perceives that their resources or coping abilities are insufficient to meet the minimal demands placed upon them. It is a condition of perpetual difficulty and stress.
C: Challenge is a subjective feeling unrelated to external demands or resources. It is a state of emotional neutrality with no physiological responses associated with stress.
A: A state where a person perceives that their resources or coping abilities are greater than or equal to the demands placed upon them by a stressor. A person will view a situation as a challenge when their perceived resource limits are greater than the demands of the stressor. This type of appraisal is associated with a less damaging physiological stress response compared to perceiving a situation as a threat.
> Autonomic response
Perception (appraisal) + response
EXAMPLE: Tough exam - “I’ve got to apply all I know” - aroused & focused
Are all stressors equal?
A: Yes
B: No
B: No
> It is a gross oversimplification to think that the same stress response occurs with all different types of stressors.
Some types of short-term stressors lead to a larger cortisol response
There is research showing some stressors, like those threatening self-esteem or social status, tend to elicit a stronger cortisol response and physiological effects than other types of stressors.
Also uncontrollable stressors
What does stress do to your body?
A: Stress has no impact on the body and is a purely psychological phenomenon. It does not trigger any physiological responses or affect energy mobilization, heart rate, or blood pressure.
B: Stress enhances overall health by promoting efficient energy storage and utilization. It contributes to improved cardiovascular function and prevents long-term issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
C: It rapidly mobilizes energy through the sympathetic nervous system and gluconeogenesis to prepare the body for “fight or flight.” It inhibits further storage of glucose, proteins, and fats as energy is redirected from storage to immediate needs. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate to deliver glucose to muscles faster. It can lead to long-term issues like increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fat deposits in the belly region, and high blood pressure over time due to the wear and tear of the stress response.
C: It rapidly mobilizes energy through the sympathetic nervous system and gluconeogenesis to prepare the body for “fight or flight.” It inhibits further storage of glucose, proteins, and fats as energy is redirected from storage to immediate needs. It increases heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate to deliver glucose to muscles faster. It can lead to long-term issues like increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fat deposits in the belly region, and high blood pressure over time due to the wear and tear of the stress response.
It can:
> Mobilizes energy (Fatigue; Diabetes; Fat deposition)
> Raises heart rate/blood pressure (cardiovascular
diseases, strokes)
> Slows digestion (uses both the sympathetic & parasympathetic nervous system, ulcers, colitis, bowel problems)
> Slows growth (stress dwarfism/Psychosocial Dwarfism)
> Slows reproduction (impotence, loss of libido,
delayed ovulation, miscarriage)
> Blunts pain (adrenaline, possible worsening of injuries)
> Speeds aging (shortens telomeres – when they get
very short they die and signs of aging appear as biological aging)
> Harms brain/memory
> Suppresses immune system (infections, healing
problems, serious illness)
True or false: Digestion uses both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system.
A: True
B: False
A: True
Parasympathetic:
> Organs that digest and store food (stomach, small intestine)
> Food is not digested or stored
Sympathetic:
> Organs that move waste out of the body (colon, large intestine, bladder)
> Food waste is expelled
Under stress, the parasympathetic nervous system is inhibited, which normally regulates digestion. Digestion is slowed down during stress because it is not an immediately necessary function. The body prioritizes mobilizing energy over processes like digestion that take a long time. People may experience dry mouth under stress due to reduced saliva secretion, as well as nausea, diarrhea, or the urge to rush to the bathroom as the digestive system is impacted.
Ulcers were previously thought to be caused by stress alone, but are now known to be caused by a combination of the bacteria H. pylori and stress. SH. pylori can cause small cuts in the stomach lining, but stress impairs the body’s ability to repair this damage. Under chronic stress, the stomach doesn’t repair itself properly after periods of digestion. This allows stomach acid to eat away at the unprotected lining and cause ulcers. So stress alone does not cause ulcers, but impairs the body’s defense against ulcers caused by H. pylori infection.
What is Psychosocial Dwarfism (a.k.a. Stress Dwarfism)?
A: Psychosocial Dwarfism is a genetic condition unrelated to emotional factors or stress. It is solely determined by inherited traits and has no association with growth hormone levels or skeletal age.
B: It’s caused by extreme emotional deprivation and stress. It’s characterized by very short stature, decreased growth hormone, and immature skeletal age. Those who are suffering from this can start growing again in a different environment!
C: Psychosocial Dwarfism is a result of excessive positive emotional experiences and a stress-free environment. It leads to rapid growth and development, and individuals with this condition exhibit tall stature, advanced skeletal age, and elevated growth hormone levels.
B: It’s caused by extreme emotional deprivation and stress. It’s characterized by very short stature, decreased growth hormone, and immature skeletal age. Those who are suffering from this can start growing again in a different environment!
In very extreme cases of childhood stress, it can result in psychosocial dwarfism or stress dwarfism. This is where a child stops growing due to extremely stressful circumstances. For example, children in California who lived in horrible conditions with abusive parents were significantly shorter than normal due to the chronic stress they experienced. She noted this usually only occurs in cases of severe neglect or abuse and not from regular life stressors.
