The Body's response to stress

SNS activation leads to...

• Increased pupil size 
• Sweat glands produce more sweat
• Glycogen is stored in the liver and coverted to glucose for energy 
• Increase in heart rate 
• Release of adrenaline by the adrenal medulla

?FIGHT OR FLIGHT?

This is when you are energised to fight or flee in response to an acute stressor - the body is prepared for this by the SAM pathway 

ANS - > SNS - > noradrenaline  (physical response see above)

ANS -> adrenal medulla -> adrenaline 

Perception of stressor by higher brain centres

Hypothalamus 

CRF              |                         

Pituitary gland

ACTH          |                         

Adrenal cortext

CORT            |                         

Cortisol causes stress effects in the body (negative feedback)

Cardivascular problems: If stress responses activated repeatedly heart and blood vessels suffer from abnormal wear + tear. Increased blood pressure (SNS activation) can lead to physical damage and increase likelihood of heart disease.

Immunosuppression: Too much cortisol suppresses the immune system, shutting down the process that fights infection. 

Individual differences: Males tend to have fight or flight while females have a tend and befriend response to stress.