Psychology: Stress and Autonomic Nervous System

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system during the 'fight or flight' response?

To promote physiological changes through synaptic transmissions

To facilitate the sympathetic response by withdrawing its inhibitory effects (correct)

To inhibit the release of noradrenaline from the locus coeruleus

To stimulate the sympathetic preganglionic neurons to increase heart rate

What is the timeframe for physiological changes associated with HPA axis activation?

Immediately after activation

Days after activation

Hours after activation

Minutes after activation (correct)

What type of emotions can trigger a stress response?

Both positive and negative emotions (correct)

Neither positive nor negative emotions

Only negative emotions such as fear and anger

Only positive emotions such as joy and excitement

What is the role of the autonomic nervous system in response to stress?

To promote physiological changes through synaptic transmissions Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of the sympathetic preganglionic neurons during the 'fight or flight' response?

To increase heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the locus coeruleus during the 'fight or flight' response?

To release noradrenaline Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of events in response to stress?

Autonomic nervous system activation followed by HPA axis activation Signup and view all the answers

What can also trigger a stress response, apart from emotional stimuli?

Both physical stimuli and expectations of unpleasant events Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the cortisol released from the adrenal cortex?

To augment the activity of the autonomic nervous system Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on the cardiovascular system during stress?

Increased heart rate and blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in the HPA axis?

To release corticotrophin-releasing hormone Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of acetylcholine on the heart rate?

Decreases heart rate Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of noradrenaline in the sympathetic nervous system?

To increase heart rate and blood pressure Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the gut motility?

Increases gut motility Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hypothalamus in the HPA axis?

To initiate the HPA axis by releasing corticotrophin-releasing hormone Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the amygdala in relation to emotion?

To assess danger and convey emotional information to other brain regions for defensive action Signup and view all the answers

What hormone is released by the pituitary gland in response to emotional reactions organized in the hypothalamus?

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampus in relation to memory?

To store and retrieve memories in the cortex Signup and view all the answers

Which brain region is involved in planning and organizing behavior based on working memory?

Pre-frontal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of cortisol released by the adrenal cortex?

To bind to glucocorticoid receptors in the brain Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the hypothalamus in relation to emotional reactions?

To organize emotional reactions and trigger hormonal secretions Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the amygdala and the hypothalamus?

The hypothalamus receives information from the amygdala Signup and view all the answers

What is the function of glucocorticoid receptors in the brain?

To bind to cortisol released by the adrenal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of chronic stress on cortisol levels and its receptors?

Cortisol levels increase and its receptors decrease. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to CRF and ACTH levels in response to inhibition?

They decrease and lead to less cortisol secretion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the outcome of negative feedback in the HPA axis?

Cortisol levels decrease and glucocorticoid receptors increase. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of chronic stress on the negative feedback mechanism in the HPA axis?

It disrupts the negative feedback mechanism. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of cortisol in the context of chronic stress?

It is a positive feedback signal to enhance stress response. Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of glucocorticoid receptors on CRF and ACTH secretion?

They inhibit CRF and ACTH secretion. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the hippocampus in the context of stress?

Formation and storage of conscious memory Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of chronic stress on the glucocorticoid receptors in the prefrontal cortex?

They become more susceptible to damage or death Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of cortisol in the bloodstream during acute stress?

Adrenal cortex Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of cortisol on the hippocampus during stress?

It leads to a decline in hippocampal function Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of CRF in the HPA axis?

It triggers a cascade release of ACTH Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of glucocorticoids on the prefrontal cortex during chronic stress?

They impair cognitive function Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism by which cortisol attaches to glucocorticoid receptors?

Through an attachment to glucocorticoid receptors Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of basal cortisol levels on the HPA axis?

They are broken down by enzymes to maintain low levels Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Definition of Stress

Stress can be positive or negative and triggers the same physiological mechanisms in the body
Stress is not just in response to perceived threats, but also in stimulating and enjoyable situations
Emotions such as joy, anger, and fear are potent stressors
Expectations can also play a role in stress

Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) Involvement in Stress Response

The ANS is comprised of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches
The sympathetic branch promotes physiological changes through synaptic transmissions
The parasympathetic branch facilitates the sympathetic response to stress, commonly referred to as the "fight or flight" response
The "fight or flight" response includes the release of noradrenaline from the locus coeruleus and the stimulation of sympathetic preganglionic neurons to increase heart rate

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis

The HPA axis is a hormonal system that is activated in response to stress
The HPA axis is initiated by the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone from the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus
This leads to a series of endocrine events that culminate in the release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex
Cortisol impacts many different physiological systems, including immunity and metabolism
Cortisol also plays a role in augmenting the activity of the autonomic nervous system

Brain Areas Involved in the HPA Axis

Amygdala: concerned with emotion, motivation, and fear; receives information on events in the world and assesses danger
Hypothalamus: involved in the control of emotional reactions, feeding, and drinking; triggers hormonal secretions from the pituitary gland
Pituitary gland: releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to stress
Hippocampus: involved in organizing memory storage and retrieving memories; contains high levels of glucocorticoid receptors
Pre-frontal cortex: involved in planning and organising behaviour based on working memory; carries glucocorticoid receptors

HPA Axis in Acute and Chronic Stress

HPA-baseline: a small amount of cortisol is continuously secreted from the adrenal cortex into the bloodstream
HPA-acute stress: stress triggers a cascade release of CRF-CRF-ACTH, leading to an increase in cortisol secretion; cortisol attaches to GR on PFC, Hippocampus, Hypothalamus & Pituitary, leading to inhibition and a decrease in cortisol secretion
HPA-chronic stress: chronic stress response leads to constant release of cortisol; blood levels are elevated, and cortisol is toxic to GR, leading to a decrease in inhibition and continued cortisol release

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Description

This quiz covers the definition of stress, its positive and negative effects, and the involvement of the autonomic nervous system in stress response.