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Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of catecholamines released by the sympathetic nervous system during stress?
Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of catecholamines released by the sympathetic nervous system during stress?
What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system in the stress response?
What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system in the stress response?
What is the role of the amygdala in the stress response?
What is the role of the amygdala in the stress response?
Which of the following hormones is directly responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex to release cortisol?
Which of the following hormones is directly responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex to release cortisol?
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What is the primary effect of cortisol on the body during stress?
What is the primary effect of cortisol on the body during stress?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the HPA axis activation?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the HPA axis activation?
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Which type of adrenergic receptor is primarily responsible for the increase in heart rate during stress?
Which type of adrenergic receptor is primarily responsible for the increase in heart rate during stress?
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Which of the following best describes the interaction between the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis in the stress response?
Which of the following best describes the interaction between the sympathetic nervous system and the HPA axis in the stress response?
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Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of cortisol on the body?
Which of the following is NOT a direct effect of cortisol on the body?
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Chronic stress can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. How does this occur?
Chronic stress can lead to the development of cardiovascular disease. How does this occur?
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Which of these pairs correctly matches the response system with its primary function in stress response?
Which of these pairs correctly matches the response system with its primary function in stress response?
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In what way can chronic cortisol secretion contribute to impaired memory function?
In what way can chronic cortisol secretion contribute to impaired memory function?
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How do glucocorticoid receptors (GR) play a role in chronic inflammation?
How do glucocorticoid receptors (GR) play a role in chronic inflammation?
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Which of the following is a key difference between acute and chronic stress responses?
Which of the following is a key difference between acute and chronic stress responses?
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Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the stress response in the body?
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the stress response in the body?
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What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in the stress response?
What is the primary role of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) in the stress response?
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Which of the following brain regions is primarily associated with heightened fear responses and emotional dysregulation in anxiety disorders?
Which of the following brain regions is primarily associated with heightened fear responses and emotional dysregulation in anxiety disorders?
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Which of the following neurotransmitters is specifically implicated in mood disorders due to its reduction in the presence of chronic stress?
Which of the following neurotransmitters is specifically implicated in mood disorders due to its reduction in the presence of chronic stress?
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How does chronic stress impact the hippocampus, contributing to mental health issues?
How does chronic stress impact the hippocampus, contributing to mental health issues?
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What is a primary effect of persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) due to chronic stress?
What is a primary effect of persistent activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) due to chronic stress?
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Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of proinflammatory cytokines in relation to chronic stress and mental health?
Which of the following statements accurately describes the role of proinflammatory cytokines in relation to chronic stress and mental health?
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How does chronic stress influence dopamine signaling, potentially contributing to mental health issues?
How does chronic stress influence dopamine signaling, potentially contributing to mental health issues?
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Which of the following is NOT a documented effect of chronic stress on the brain?
Which of the following is NOT a documented effect of chronic stress on the brain?
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What is the main mechanism by which chronic stress contributes to the development of major depressive disorder?
What is the main mechanism by which chronic stress contributes to the development of major depressive disorder?
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Flashcards
Stress Response
Stress Response
Physiological reaction to perceived threats, engaging SNS and HPA axis.
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
Part of ANS responsible for immediate stress responses, activating fight-or-flight.
Fight or Flight Response
Fight or Flight Response
A physiological reaction designed to prepare the body to either confront or flee from stressors.
Catecholamines
Catecholamines
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Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
Epinephrine (Adrenaline)
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Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis
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Cortisol
Cortisol
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Adrenergic Receptors
Adrenergic Receptors
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Cortisol Function
Cortisol Function
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Gluconeogenesis
Gluconeogenesis
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Chronic Cortisol Effects
Chronic Cortisol Effects
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SNS Role
SNS Role
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HPA Axis
HPA Axis
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Acute vs Chronic Stress
Acute vs Chronic Stress
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Chronic Stress Impact
Chronic Stress Impact
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Cortisol and Inflammation
Cortisol and Inflammation
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Chronic Stress
Chronic Stress
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Cortisol Levels
Cortisol Levels
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HPA Axis Overactivation
HPA Axis Overactivation
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Hippocampal Damage
Hippocampal Damage
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Proinflammatory Cytokines
Proinflammatory Cytokines
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Amygdala Hyperactivation
Amygdala Hyperactivation
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Serotonin Decrease
Serotonin Decrease
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Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
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Study Notes
Stress Response
- Stress triggers two major systems: the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis.
- These systems work together to initiate the "fight or flight" response.
Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)
- Part of the autonomic nervous system (ANS).
- Plays a role in immediate, short-term stress responses.
- Activation Process:
- The brain's amygdala and hypothalamus perceive a threat.
- Signals are sent to the adrenal medulla via the spinal cord, triggering the release of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine).
- Effects of Catecholamines:
- Increase heart rate and cardiac output.
- Dilate airways.
- Break down glycogen into glucose.
- Redirect blood flow to muscles and brain.
- Increase sweating.
- Adrenergic Receptors:
- Alpha-adrenergic receptors cause vasoconstriction and blood pressure regulation.
- Beta-adrenergic receptors enhance heart rate, lung capacity, and muscle function.
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis
- Responsible for the longer-term stress response.
- Activation Process:
- Perceived stress triggers the hypothalamus to release corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH).
- CRH stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
- ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol into the bloodstream.
- Role of Cortisol:
- Mobilizes energy by promoting gluconeogenesis.
- Suppresses non-essential functions.
- Inhibits the immune system.
- Maintains blood pressure.
- Chronic Effects of Cortisol:
- Fat accumulation in the abdomen and trunk.
- Suppressed immune function.
- Impaired memory and hippocampal function.
- Increased inflammation.
Interplay Between SNS and HPA Axis
- The SNS and HPA axis work together, with the SNS for short-term responses and the HPA axis for long-term regulation.
Clinical Implications
- Acute Stress: Adaptive response allowing individuals to react to dangers.
- Chronic Stress: Can contribute to mental illnesses such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD; metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes); and cardiovascular disease.
Pathophysiological Effects of Chronic Stress on Mental Health
- Overactivation of HPA Axis: Leads to excessive cortisol secretion which can suppress the immune system and damage the hippocampus, impacting memory and emotional regulation.
- Proinflammatory State: Chronic stress reduces the efficacy of glucocorticoid receptors, potentially leading to inflammation associated with depression and anxiety.
Effects on Brain Regions and Neurotransmitter Systems
- Hippocampus: Chronic stress reduces volume and impairs short-term memory and emotional regulation contributing to depression and PTSD.
- Amygdala: Hyperactivation leads to heightened fear responses and emotional dysregulation, associated with anxiety disorders.
- Prefrontal Cortex: Impaired function disrupts decision-making and emotional regulation, linked to major depressive disorder and PTSD.
- Neurotransmitter Dysregulation: Chronic stress decreases serotonin and norepinephrine, contributing to mood disorders.
Specific Mental Disorders Associated with Chronic Stress
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Linked to chronic HPA activation, decreased serotonin, and hippocampal atrophy; elevated proinflammatory cytokines.
- Anxiety Disorders: Overactivity of the amygdala and disruptions in GABA receptor signaling; chronic stress can sensitize the autonomic nervous system.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Reduced hippocampal volume, hyperactive amygdala responses and intrusive thoughts and hypervigilance. Dysregulated prefrontal cortex (inability to control fear).
- Substance Use Disorders: Chronic stress can down-regulate the prefrontal cortex's control over impulses, which contributes to dysregulation of dopamine and glutamate signaling (promoting addiction).
Clinical Implications of chronic stress
- Clinical implications: Understanding chronic stress's role in illness highlights the need for early stress management interventions and pharmacological treatments targeting neurotransmitter systems and HPA axis regulation. Anti-inflammatory treatments are also important.
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Description
Explore the intricacies of the stress response, focusing on the roles of the Sympathetic Nervous System and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. Delve into how these systems activate the 'fight or flight' response and the physiological changes that occur during stress. This quiz is designed for those studying human anatomy and physiology.