Stress Responses

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  • Created by: Toni Lowe
  • Created on: 03-06-13 15:59
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  • The Pituitary Adrenal System
    • Higher brain centres detect and identify stressful situation (a stressor).
      • A message is sent to the hypothalamus, which releases Corticotrophin Releasing Factors (CRF).
        • This signals the pituitary gland to release ACTH.
          • This travels round the body to the Adrenal Cortex, which detects the ACTH and releases corticosteroids into the bloodstream.
            • This helps to release energy reserves that can be found in the liver and fat. It does this by increasing blood sugar level through the conversion of protein into glucose and making fats available for energy.
    • Slower acting response to ongoing stressful situations (chronic stress).
  • The Sympathomedullary  Pathway
    • Higher brain centres detect and identify a stressful situation (a stressor).
      • A message is sent to the hypothalamus, which activates the parasympathetic branch of the autonomic nervous system (ans).
        • The adrenal medulla releases the stress hormones, adrenaline and noradrenaline.
          • This induces a series of bodily changes that includes; increased heart rate and decreased digestion.
            • Resolutely, the fight or flight response comes into action.
    • Short term, fast acting, that  involves electrical activity (usually occurs in acute stress).

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