Physiological Responses to Stress (Thorstensen/Gunter)

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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?

To rapidly bring the body back to a stable physiological state Signup and view all the answers

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

Allostatic load Signup and view all the answers

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

Hypothalamus Signup and view all the answers

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

The way a person perceives and interprets a stressor influences the resulting physiological response. Signup and view all the answers

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

To release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline Signup and view all the answers

Which description best characterizes the overall physiological response to stress?

A preparatory and protective response designed to enhance survival. Signup and view all the answers

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

A response affecting multiple, body-wide interacting systems Signup and view all the answers

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

To achieve short-term adaptation to stressors, creating a new 'homeostatic' state. 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?

The hypothalamus. Signup and view all the answers

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

A rapid, acute physiological response. Signup and view all the answers

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

To trigger a widespread series of physiological responses via the autonomic nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

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

A slow, chronic hormonal response. Signup and view all the answers

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

From the locus coeruleus to the adrenal cortex. 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?

Cortisol. Signup and view all the answers

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

To initiate perception of environmental stressors. Signup and view all the answers

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

An increase in blood sugar levels. Signup and view all the answers

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

By coordinating outputs through both the autonomic nervous system, and endocrine system. Signup and view all the answers

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.

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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.