Questions and Answers
What is the primary function of the parasympathetic nervous system during the 'fight or flight' response?
What is the timeframe for physiological changes associated with HPA axis activation?
What type of emotions can trigger a stress response?
What is the role of the autonomic nervous system in response to stress?
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What is the function of the sympathetic preganglionic neurons during the 'fight or flight' response?
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What is the role of the locus coeruleus during the 'fight or flight' response?
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What is the sequence of events in response to stress?
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What can also trigger a stress response, apart from emotional stimuli?
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What is the primary function of the cortisol released from the adrenal cortex?
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What is the effect of cortisol on the cardiovascular system during stress?
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What is the role of the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus in the HPA axis?
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What is the effect of acetylcholine on the heart rate?
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What is the role of noradrenaline in the sympathetic nervous system?
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What is the effect of the parasympathetic nervous system on the gut motility?
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What is the primary neurotransmitter released by the parasympathetic nervous system?
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What is the role of the hypothalamus in the HPA axis?
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What is the primary function of the amygdala in relation to emotion?
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What hormone is released by the pituitary gland in response to emotional reactions organized in the hypothalamus?
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What is the primary function of the hippocampus in relation to memory?
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Which brain region is involved in planning and organizing behavior based on working memory?
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What is the function of cortisol released by the adrenal cortex?
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What is the role of the hypothalamus in relation to emotional reactions?
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What is the relationship between the amygdala and the hypothalamus?
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What is the function of glucocorticoid receptors in the brain?
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What is the outcome of chronic stress on cortisol levels and its receptors?
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What happens to CRF and ACTH levels in response to inhibition?
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What is the outcome of negative feedback in the HPA axis?
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What is the effect of chronic stress on the negative feedback mechanism in the HPA axis?
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What is the role of cortisol in the context of chronic stress?
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What is the effect of glucocorticoid receptors on CRF and ACTH secretion?
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What is the primary function of the hippocampus in the context of stress?
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What is the effect of chronic stress on the glucocorticoid receptors in the prefrontal cortex?
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What is the primary source of cortisol in the bloodstream during acute stress?
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What is the effect of cortisol on the hippocampus during stress?
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What is the role of CRF in the HPA axis?
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What is the effect of glucocorticoids on the prefrontal cortex during chronic stress?
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What is the primary mechanism by which cortisol attaches to glucocorticoid receptors?
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What is the effect of basal cortisol levels on the HPA axis?
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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.