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Flashcards in Stress Deck (19)
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1
Q

What are some of the key structures involved in stress?

A

1) . Amygdala identifies =
- danger.
2) . Hypothalamus identifies =
- stress response.
3) . Adrenal medulla secretes =
- adrenaline.
4) . Adrenal cortex secretes =
- corticosteroids (cortisol).

2
Q

Which part of the autonomic nervous system is the control of ‘fight or flight’?

A

Sympathetic nervous system.

3
Q

What is the sympathetic nervous response to stress?

A

Stimulation of the adrenal medulla to secrete adrenaline/noradrenaline.

4
Q

When a stressor is triggered, where does the hypothalamus send signals?

A
  • Pituitary gland.
  • Adrenal medulla (short term).
  • Adrenal cortex (chronic).
5
Q

What does the amygdala control in the brain?

A
  • Emotions.
  • Emotional behaviour.
  • Motivation.
  • Part of the limbic system.
6
Q

What is the amygdala’s role in response to stress?

A
  • Receives signal of stress.
  • Sends signal to hypothalamus.
  • Hypothalamus activates sympathetic nervous system.
7
Q

What interaction does managing emotions and impulsive behaviours depend on?

A

Prefrontal cortex –> emotional centres in the amygdala.

8
Q

What is the amygdala hijack?

A

Emotional distress, anger and impulsive behaviour take action.

  • may be regretted later.
9
Q

What is chronic stress also known as?

A

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis (HPAA).

10
Q

What interaction system does the HPAA comprise of?

A

Feedback interactions between;

  • hypothalamus.
  • pituitary gland.
  • adrenal cortex.
11
Q

What happens when chronic stress is detected (HPAA activated)?

A

1) . Hypothalamus –>
2) . CRF –>
3) . Anterior pituitary gland –>
4) . ACTH –>
5) . Adrenal cortex –>
6) . Cortisol

12
Q

What is the main function of cortisol?

A

To restore homeostasis following exposure to stress.

13
Q

What kind of hormone is cortisol?

A

Glucocoticoid hormone
–>

  • helps increase energy availability.
  • increases levels of glucose and fatty acids in the blood.
14
Q

Why is cortisol an anti-inflammatory?

A

Suppresses the immune system.

15
Q

What are the metabolic effects of cortisol?

A

Increased levels of (in the blood) =

  • glucose.
  • fatty acids.
  • amino acids.
16
Q

What are some health consequences of chronic stress?

A
  • Infections.
  • Hypertension.
  • Cardiovascular disease.
  • Pain.
  • Depression.
  • Obesity.
17
Q

What is psychoneuroimmunology?

A

Interactions between psychological processes, neurological, immune and endocrine function and their influence on health.

18
Q

What 3 systems interact with each other (psychoneuroimmunology)?

A
  • Nervous system.
  • Endocrine system.
  • Immune system.
19
Q

What are cytokines?

A
  • Produced by immune cells.
  • Small proteins (like hormones).
  • Involved in cell signalling and communication.