Physiological Responses to Stress (Thorstensen/Gunter)
20 Questions
1 Views

Choose a study mode

Play Quiz
Study Flashcards
Spaced Repetition
Chat to Lesson

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

Which system is NOT primarily involved in the systemic physiological response to stress?

  • Endocrine system
  • Immune system
  • Skeletal system (correct)
  • Autonomic nervous system

In the context of the stress response, what does 'allostasis' primarily describe?

  • The body's return to its original stable state.
  • The physiological changes in response to challenges to homeostasis. (correct)
  • The cumulative effect of stress on the body.
  • The immediate response to a physical stressor.

Which of these is NOT considered a potential source of stressors?

  • Psychological perceptions
  • Internal physiological imbalances
  • Lack of physical activity (correct)
  • External environmental factors

What is the main purpose of the stress response?

<p>To rapidly bring the body back to a stable physiological state (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which concept describes the cumulative effects of stress on an individual?

<p>Allostatic load (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What structure is responsible for coordinating the output of the nervous system and pituitary glands?

<p>Hypothalamus (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best illustrates how the perception of a stressor affects the response?

<p>The way a person perceives and interprets a stressor influences the resulting physiological response. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the adrenal gland in response to stress?

<p>To release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which description best characterizes the overall physiological response to stress?

<p>A preparatory and protective response designed to enhance survival. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the context, what would be the main characteristic of a 'systemic' physiological response to stress?

<p>A response affecting multiple, body-wide interacting systems (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of allostasis in relation to stress?

<p>To achieve short-term adaptation to stressors, creating a new 'homeostatic' state. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which part of the brain plays a critical role in coordinating the stress response, acting as a central hub?

<p>The hypothalamus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the autonomic nervous system primarily contribute to the stress response?

<p>A rapid, acute physiological response. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the locus coeruleus in the stress response pathway?

<p>To trigger a widespread series of physiological responses via the autonomic nervous system. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the best description of the endocrine system's response to stress?

<p>A slow, chronic hormonal response. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a direct pathway of the stress response, according to the provided diagrams?

<p>From the locus coeruleus to the adrenal cortex. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following hormones, released during stress, is primarily associated with the chronic phase of the stress response?

<p>Cortisol. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the 'higher brain centre' in the stress response pathway?

<p>To initiate perception of environmental stressors. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What would be a physiological effect of the activation of the adrenal medulla during a stress response?

<p>An increase in blood sugar levels. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to the diagram, how does the hypothalamus initiate the stress response?

<p>By coordinating outputs through both the autonomic nervous system, and endocrine system. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Autonomic Nervous System

The automatic, involuntary control system that regulates body functions like heart rate, digestion, and breathing.

Endocrine System

The network of glands that release hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various body processes.

Hypothalamus

The key control center in the brain, responsible for coordinating the nervous and endocrine responses to stress.

Stressor

Any physical or psychological factor that triggers a stress response in the body.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Homeostasis

The body's natural ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Allostasis

The body's adaptive response to stress, involving changes in the nervous, endocrine and immune systems.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Allostatic Load

The cumulative wear and tear on the body due to prolonged or repeated stress responses.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Adrenal Glands and Stress

The adrenal glands produce hormones, like cortisol and adrenaline, that prepare the body to respond to stress.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Stress Response for Survival

The physiological response to stress aims to quickly restore the body to a stable state to increase survival chances.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Individual Perception of Stress

The way an individual perceives and interprets a stressor can have a significant impact on their physiological response.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Cortisol

A hormone released from the adrenal glands that helps the body cope with stress by providing sustained energy and suppressing inflammation.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Fight or Flight Response

The 'fight or flight' response is initiated by the sympathetic nervous system and is responsible for physiological changes that prepare us to fight or flee from perceived threats. It is activated in response to stressful situations.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Parasympathetic Nervous System

It is the branch of the autonomic nervous system that is responsible for the body's 'rest and digest' function. It helps to calm the body down after the 'fight or flight' response.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Acute vs. Chronic Stress Response

The body's physiological response to stress can be either acute (rapid) or chronic (slow).

Signup and view all the flashcards

Study Notes

Physiological Response to Stress

  • The body's response to stress is complex, involving both immediate and sustained reactions.
  • Stressors can be physical or psychological, originating internally or externally.
  • Individual perception and processing of stressors significantly influence the body's response.

Homeostasis, Allostasis, and Allostatic Load

  • Homeostasis is the body's natural tendency towards a stable internal environment.
  • Allostasis describes the body's physiological adjustments to maintain homeostasis in response to stress.
  • These adaptive changes can accumulate, creating allostatic load, a measure of the cumulative effects of stress on the body.

Learning Objectives

  • Review the autonomic nervous system's structures and functions.
  • Explain the role of endocrine and nervous systems in coordinating organ systems.
  • Describe the hypothalamus' role in coordinating nervous system output and pituitary gland interactions.
  • Explain the general neuroendocrine response to stress.
  • Describe the role of the adrenal gland during stress responses.

Session Aims

  • Explain the systemic physiological response to stress, driven by autonomic nervous system and endocrine system activation.
  • Explore physiological responses to stress as protective and/or preparatory responses.

Stressors

  • Both physical and psychological factors can cause or be perceived as stressors.
  • Stressors can originate from internal or external stimuli.
  • How individuals perceive and process stressors significantly impacts their responses.

Coordinated Response to Stress

  • The hypothalamus plays a central role in coordinating the body's response to stress, linking the higher brain centers to the autonomic and endocrine systems.

Role of the Hypothalamus

  • The hypothalamus acts as a central hub, receiving input from higher brain centers (e.g., cerebral cortex, limbic system).
  • It influences the autonomic nervous system (specifically the locus ceruleus and adrenal medulla) and the endocrine system (specifically the anterior pituitary and the adrenal cortex).

Physiological Response Types

  • The physiological response to stress comprises a rapid, acute component (mediated by the autonomic nervous system) and a slower, chronic component (mediated by the endocrine system).
  • The autonomic nervous system's rapid response involves nerve impulses through the spinal cord and preganglionic sympathetic fibers.
  • The chronic response is characterized by hormonal release from endocrine glands, particularly the anterior and posterior pituitary. This response coordinates with the adrenal gland, which releases cortisol into the blood, amongst other hormones.

Diverse Physiological Responses to Stress

  • Stress triggers numerous physiological changes. These responses generally act to protect the body, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels.
  • Immune system response, while protective, may be suppressed during prolonged or chronic stress.
  • Other body processes, such as reproduction and growth, are also impacted.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Quiz Team

Related Documents

Description

Explore how the body responds to stress through complex physiological mechanisms. This quiz covers concepts of homeostasis, allostasis, and the effects of stress on the autonomic nervous and endocrine systems. Understand individual perceptions of stress and their implications.

More Like This

Biologie: Homeostase en Veroudering
16 questions
Homeostasis and Stress Management
21 questions

Homeostasis and Stress Management

HospitableMoldavite3369 avatar
HospitableMoldavite3369
Homeostasis and Stress Overview
35 questions

Homeostasis and Stress Overview

SurrealChrysoprase4629 avatar
SurrealChrysoprase4629
Use Quizgecko on...
Browser
Browser