The Stress The Stress ResponseResponse

StressStressA specific response by the body to a A specific response by the body to a

stimulus that disturbs or interferes with stimulus that disturbs or interferes with the normal physiological equilibrium of the normal physiological equilibrium of an organism – can be physical or an organism – can be physical or mentalmental

EustressEustress – stress that prepares us to – stress that prepares us to meet challenges – healthfulmeet challenges – healthful

DistressDistress – Harmful, strain, anxiety, – Harmful, strain, anxiety, sufferingsuffering

When stress occurs Homeostatic When stress occurs Homeostatic mechanisms attempt to re-establish mechanisms attempt to re-establish

homeostasishomeostasisIf the stress is too extreme and normal If the stress is too extreme and normal

mechanisms are not enough then bodily changes mechanisms are not enough then bodily changes begin to occur = begin to occur = The Stress ResponseThe Stress Response

Stage 1 – Fight-or-Stage 1 – Fight-or-FlightFlight

Short-livedShort-livedControlled by the ANS and Controlled by the ANS and

Adrenal MedullaAdrenal MedullaIncrease in blood pressure, cut Increase in blood pressure, cut

off blood supply to non-essential off blood supply to non-essential organs, increase glucose organs, increase glucose productionproduction

Stage 2 – Resistance Stage 2 – Resistance ReactionReaction

Longer lastingLonger lastingControlled by hormones from the hypothalamusControlled by hormones from the hypothalamusStimulates secretion of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic Stimulates secretion of ACTH (adrenocorticotropic

hormone), which releases cortisol, which then hormone), which releases cortisol, which then stimulates the production of glucose, break down stimulates the production of glucose, break down of triglycerides, and proteins to make ATPof triglycerides, and proteins to make ATP

Secretes hGH – which helps in the breakdown of Secretes hGH – which helps in the breakdown of fats and proteinsfats and proteins

Secretes TSH – which also increases glucose Secretes TSH – which also increases glucose productionproduction

Overall – We gain energy to help fight off stressorOverall – We gain energy to help fight off stressor

Stage 3 - Stage 3 - ExhaustionExhaustion

If stage 2 fails to bring body back to If stage 2 fails to bring body back to homeostasis we enter stage 3homeostasis we enter stage 3

Our resources become depleted – Our resources become depleted – need rest and to gain back our need rest and to gain back our resourcesresources

Systems begin to fail and get Systems begin to fail and get damaged, we can get sick, or damaged, we can get sick, or develop diseasesdevelop diseases

ActivityActivity

For each of the For each of the following, indicate at following, indicate at

which stage they would which stage they would occur as part of the occur as part of the general adaptation general adaptation syndrome (stress syndrome (stress

response)response)

ChoicesChoicesFight-or-FlightFight-or-Flight

Resistance ReactionResistance ReactionExhaustionExhaustion

1. Initiated by hypothalamic releasing hormones

2. Initiated by the sympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system

3. Immediately prepares the body for action

4. Increases Cortisol release5. Short-lived Response6. Body resources become depleted7. Increased release of many hormones

that ensure a continued ATP supply8. Failure of pancreatic beta cells9. Nonessential body function inhibited

SolutionsSolutions1.1.RR2.2.FF3.3.FF4.4.RR5.5.FF6.6.EE7.7.RR8.8.EE9.9.FF