Bodily Responses to Stress Psychology
· S.A.M (Sympathetic Adreno-medullary Pathway)
This is the acute (immediate) response to stress (it uses electrical signals). Higher brain areas (Cortex) detect and perceive something as a stressor, triggering the Hypothalamus, which in turn activates the Sympathetic branch of the Autonomic nervous system, stimulating the Adrenal Medulla, producing two hormones, Adrenaline and Noradrenaline, which cause the Fight or Flight response, which causes bodily changes and has evolved for survival.
Bodily changes may include: an increase in heart rate (to carry around oxygen around the body quicker); an increase in blood pressure (veins and arteries narrow so blood pumps faster); an increase in muscle tension (which increases reaction time) and the dilation of pupils (helps one to be more aware of one’s surroundings).
· H.P.A (Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis)
This is the chronic (slow, long-term) response to stress. Higher brain areas (Cortex) detect and perceive something as a stressor, triggering the Hypothalamus, which in turn release the hormone CRF, which activates the Pituitary gland in the brain, releasing the hormone A.C.T.H, which activates in the Adrenal Cortex – this releases corticosteroids (e.g. cortisol) that cause the liver to release glucogen (fats and sugar), which provide continued energy for the Fight or Flight response. In the long term, corticosteroids can suppress the immune system. How stress can affect illness: · Direct Effect
This is where stress directly causes an illness of the malfunction of the immune system. For example, coronary heart disease has been shown to the have a link with the S.A.M response. It is caused by increased heart rate and narrowed arteries (which are results of the Fight or Flight response, brought about by the S.AM response) which cause increased fats and sugars blocking arteries, as well as putting more pressure on the heart. High blood pressure and strokes are also linked
This is the acute (immediate) response to stress (it uses electrical signals). Higher brain areas (Cortex) detect and perceive something as a stressor, triggering the Hypothalamus, which in turn activates the Sympathetic branch of the Autonomic nervous system, stimulating the Adrenal Medulla, producing two hormones, Adrenaline and Noradrenaline, which cause the Fight or Flight response, which causes bodily changes and has evolved for survival.
Bodily changes may include: an increase in heart rate (to carry around oxygen around the body quicker); an increase in blood pressure (veins and arteries narrow so blood pumps faster); an increase in muscle tension (which increases reaction time) and the dilation of pupils (helps one to be more aware of one’s surroundings).
· H.P.A (Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis)
This is the chronic (slow, long-term) response to stress. Higher brain areas (Cortex) detect and perceive something as a stressor, triggering the Hypothalamus, which in turn release the hormone CRF, which activates the Pituitary gland in the brain, releasing the hormone A.C.T.H, which activates in the Adrenal Cortex – this releases corticosteroids (e.g. cortisol) that cause the liver to release glucogen (fats and sugar), which provide continued energy for the Fight or Flight response. In the long term, corticosteroids can suppress the immune system. How stress can affect illness: · Direct Effect
This is where stress directly causes an illness of the malfunction of the immune system. For example, coronary heart disease has been shown to the have a link with the S.A.M response. It is caused by increased heart rate and narrowed arteries (which are results of the Fight or Flight response, brought about by the S.AM response) which cause increased fats and sugars blocking arteries, as well as putting more pressure on the heart. High blood pressure and strokes are also linked