Understanding Stress: Physiological Impacts and Responses

Stress is not a positive feeling of contentment, nor is it an ideal state of balance. It is also not simply the process of adapting to changes but rather the feeling of being overwhelmed by perceived demands.

When the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) is activated in the body, it signals the bronchial tubes in the lungs to dilate in order to allow more oxygen to be taken in.

The correct answer explains that SNS activation increases heart rate to allow for greater blood flow to skeletal muscles, aiding in physical activity. The incorrect answers provide alternative scenarios that do not accurately depict the relationship between SNS activation and the heart.

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the sweat glands are stimulated to produce more sweat as part of the body's response to stress or increased physical activity.

When the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated, the glycogen stored in the liver is broken down into glucose to provide immediate energy for the body's fight or flight response.

When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the adrenal medulla is stimulated to release adrenaline, not inhibited or causing the release of other hormones like cortisol, insulin, or oxytocin.

The Sympathomedullary pathway is associated with the body's fight-or-flight response, which involves activating the autonomic nervous system to prepare the body for action in response to stress.

The autonomic nervous system is responsible for involuntary processes in the body, such as heart rate and digestion. It is divided into the sympathetic branch (SNS) and the parasympathetic branch, each having different functions in regulating the body's responses. The somatic and motor branches are part of the somatic nervous system, which controls voluntary movements. The central and peripheral branches do not represent the divisions of the autonomic nervous system. The motor and sensory branches are part of the peripheral nervous system, responsible for transmitting signals to and from the central nervous system.

SNS stands for Sympathetic Nervous System, which is responsible for the body's automatic response to stress.

The parasympathetic branch is responsible for returning the body to a state of relaxation after facing a stressful situation.

When exposed to an acute stressor, the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is activated. The key part of this response is the sympathetic adrenal medullary system (SAM), which involves the SNS working together with the adrenal medulla to trigger the release of stress hormones. This combined response is known as the sympathomedullary pathway.

The SAM system stands for the Sympatho-Adreno-Medullary system, which is responsible for preparing the body for fight or flight responses by releasing adrenaline (epinephrine) into the bloodstream. This process is regulated by the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) and the adrenal medulla.

The adrenal medulla is specifically involved in the release of adrenaline in response to sympathetic nervous system activation, enhancing physiological responses in times of stress or danger.

Taylor et al (2000) proposed that men and women respond differently to stress and threats. Men typically respond with fight or flight, while women tend to protect and nurture their young and seek social support from other females. This pattern is seen in many female species beyond just humans.

Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for reducing anxiety and increasing sociability during times of stress. Testosterone, Estrogen, and Cortisol do not have the same effect as oxytocin.

A neurotransmitter is a specific type of substance released by neurons to communicate with other neurons. It plays a crucial role in the transmission of signals in the nervous system.

The pituitary-adrenal system is specifically related to the body's stress response and is not responsible for digestion, temperature regulation, or muscle coordination.

The pituitary-adrenal system, also known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA), is responsible for regulating levels of cortisol and other stress-related hormones during chronic stress. The other systems mentioned are not directly involved in the regulation of cortisol in response to stress.

The hypothalamus is responsible for responding to stressors and is considered the control system for the body's hormonal systems, leading to the production of CRF in response to stress.