The Stress ResponseThe Stress Response

BATsBATs

A01 - Outline the biological response to A01 - Outline the biological response to stressstress

What is Stress?What is Stress?

A state of physiological or psychological A state of physiological or psychological strain caused by adverse stimuli (physical, strain caused by adverse stimuli (physical, mental, internal or external) that tend to mental, internal or external) that tend to disturb the functioning of an organism. disturb the functioning of an organism.

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Physiological Stress ResponsePhysiological Stress Response

Sudden and severe stress generally produces:Sudden and severe stress generally produces: Increase in heart rateIncrease in heart rate Alterations in digestive activityAlterations in digestive activity Skin becomes paleSkin becomes pale Sweating increasesSweating increases Muscular tremorsMuscular tremors

These responses are produced by the These responses are produced by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPAA)Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPAA)

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Physiological Stress ResponsePhysiological Stress ResponseHypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal cortex

Adrenal Medulla

The stress response occurs when we are exposed to some sort of threat.

It involves co-ordinated responses from a number of different systems and structures

Sympathetic ganglia

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The HypothalamusThe HypothalamusHypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal cortex

Adrenal Medulla

The hypothalamus is in charge of the stress response.

When a stress response is triggered, it sends signals to two other structures: the pituitary gland, and the sympathetic ganglia.

Sympathetic ganglia

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The Pituitary GlandThe Pituitary GlandHypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal cortex

Adrenal Medulla

The pituitary gland controls the glands of the endocrine system.

When activated by the hypothalamus it releases ACTH, which activates the adrenal cortex.

Sympathetic ganglia

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The Sympathetic GangliaThe Sympathetic GangliaHypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal cortex

Adrenal Medulla

The sympathetic ganglia are connected to the internal organs. When activated they affect the functioning of the lungs, heart and digestive system.

They are also connected to the adrenal medulla

Sympathetic ganglia

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The Adrenal CortexThe Adrenal CortexHypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal cortex

Adrenal Medulla

The adrenal cortex releases chemicals called corticosteriods.

These have a number of functions including releasing stored glucose and controlling swelling after injury.

Sympathetic ganglia

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The Adrenal MedullaThe Adrenal MedullaHypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal cortex

Adrenal Medulla

The adrenal medulla releases adrenaline.

This hormone stimulates the sympathetic ganglia, keeping their activity at a high level.

Sympathetic ganglia

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Fight or Flight ResponseFight or Flight Response

Increase oxygen intake

Release stored glucose

Divert resources away from digestion

Ready to expend energy, either by fighting or by running away

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The Fight or Flight ResponseThe Fight or Flight Response

An early evolutionary adaptation that is An early evolutionary adaptation that is useful in dealing with physical threatsuseful in dealing with physical threats

Helps us deal with short-term problems Helps us deal with short-term problems that can be solved by fighting or runningthat can be solved by fighting or running

Unfortunately, many of the threats we face Unfortunately, many of the threats we face in our society do not fall into these in our society do not fall into these categories…categories…

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The Autonomic Nervous SystemThe Autonomic Nervous System

The position of the Hypothalamus

HPA axis (chronic)

SAM (acute)

stressor

hypothalamus

Pituitary gland

Adrenal cortex

cortisol

HPA axis

Sympathetic branch of ANS

Adrenal medullaAdrenaline and noradrenaline

SAM

Over to you …Over to you …

Create a role play or poster to show the Create a role play or poster to show the biological response to stressbiological response to stress

PlenaryPlenary

Complete the worksheet on the stress responseComplete the worksheet on the stress response

Homework – log onto Homework – log onto http://live.kerboodle.com http://live.kerboodle.com

You have been assigned your first You have been assigned your first homeworkhomework – – complete the interactive activity relating to the complete the interactive activity relating to the stress response. Please complete it by next stress response. Please complete it by next week – I will be able to access your responses week – I will be able to access your responses via the website!!via the website!!