8.2.2 Physiological Responses to Stress

• What is stress defined as?

  Negative emotional experience
• Stressors are the specific events or conditions that initiate the stress response
• The Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) is responsible for regulating voluntary bodily functions.

  False
• Match the ANS branch with its primary function:

  Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) ↔️ "Fight or flight" response

  Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) ↔️ "Rest and digest" response
• Steps in the fight-or-flight response triggered by the SNS:

  1️⃣ Increased heart rate

  2️⃣ Increased blood pressure

  3️⃣ Dilated pupils

  4️⃣ Slowed digestion
• Which hormone is released by the SNS during the fight-or-flight response?

  Adrenaline
• Increased sweat production cools the body during the fight-or-flight response.
• What is the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS)?

  Regulates involuntary bodily functions
• The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) controls the "fight or flight
• The Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) increases heart rate and blood pressure.

  False
• Which hormone is released by the SNS to prepare the body for immediate action?

  Adrenaline
• The Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) prepares the body for the fight-or-flight
• What effect does adrenaline have on heart rate during the fight-or-flight response?

  Increases it
• During the fight-or-flight response, digestion speeds up to conserve energy.

  False
• What is an example of a situation that triggers the SNS in the fight-or-flight response?

  Car accident
• Steps in the activation of the HPA axis

  1️⃣ Hypothalamus releases CRH

  2️⃣ Pituitary gland releases ACTH

  3️⃣ Adrenal glands secrete cortisol
• Cortisol increases blood sugar, reduces inflammation, and helps regulate metabolism
• During a stressful exam, which hormone provides energy for enhanced cognitive function?

  Cortisol
• Stress hormones prepare the body for immediate action.
• Match the hormone with its source and function:

  Cortisol ↔️ Adrenal cortex, mobilizes energy

  Adrenaline ↔️ Adrenal medulla, activates SNS

  Noradrenaline ↔️ Neurons, enhances alertness
• Which stress hormone improves focus during a stressful exam?

  Noradrenaline
• Short-term stress increases heart rate and blood pressure
• Short-term stress speeds up digestion.

  False
• What are stressors in the context of stress?

  Events that trigger stress
• Stress is a negative emotional experience, while stressors are the events or conditions that cause stress
• Preparing for an exam is a stressor that can induce stress.
• Which hormone triggers the pituitary gland in the HPA axis?

  $CRH$
• The pituitary gland releases ACTH in response to CRH.
• ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
• What are the effects of cortisol release in the body?

  Increases blood sugar, reduces inflammation
• Stress hormones prepare the body for immediate action by activating physiological responses.
• Which gland produces cortisol in the body?

  Adrenal cortex
• Which stress hormone activates the sympathetic nervous system?

  Adrenaline
• Noradrenaline enhances alertness and focus by increasing heart rate and blood pressure.
• Cortisol reduces inflammation and suppresses the immune system.
• Match the stress hormone with its effect during a stressful exam:

  Cortisol ↔️ Provides energy

  Adrenaline ↔️ Increases alertness

  Noradrenaline ↔️ Enhances focus
• What is the role of stress hormones in the body?

  Prepare for immediate action
• How does short-term stress affect the cardiovascular system?

  Increases heart rate and blood pressure
• During short-term stress, digestion is slowed due to reduced parasympathetic activity.
• Cortisol release during short-term stress can temporarily suppress the immune system.