Stress

Question 1

What are the 2 components in the acute stress response? (fight, flight, fright response)

Answer 1

Neural: Sympathetic nervous system

Hormonal: Adrenal glands; Adrenaline, Glucocorticoids

Question 2

What is a corticosteroid?

Answer 2

Class of drugs that lowers inflammation in the body

Question 3

What role does the sympathetic NS play in the acute stress response?

Answer 3

• Increased cardiac output
• Increased blood flow to essential muscles (decreased blood flow to gut & kidney)
• Metabolic (Glycogen into glucose breakdown, Mobilisation of fat stores)
• Stimulation of adrenaline release

Question 4

What role does the hormonal component play in the acute stress response?

Answer 4

Adrenaline (epinephrine):
- Increases and prolongs the action of sympathetic NS

Glucocorticoids (such as cortisol):

• Complements effects of adrenaline and sympathetic NS
• Metabolic: increased energy production from glucose, amino acids, fats
• Anti-inflammatory actions
• Immunosuppression
  (Increased incident of illness at times of stress)

Question 5

What can happen if acute stress response fails to diminish and the effects persist long term?

Answer 5

• Adrenal failure
• Immunosuppression
• CVS Disease
• Peptic ulcers

Death in extreme cases