The Stress Response

Flowchart nodes

• Stressor

• Hypothalamus produces cortisol releasing hormone (CRH)

• Sight/sound/smellregistered by amygdala (CNS)

• CEREBRAL CORTEXwhat we see, hear, think is compared with past experiences and perceived as either pleasurable or negative

• HYPOTHALAMUS- controls homeostasis- links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland- controls fight/flight and rest/repair responses

• sympathetic nervous system (SNS)body prepares for fight or flight

• SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM'normal' state where stuff has to be done, but not 'stressed'

• stimulates adrenal context to secrete cortisol

• alerts pituitary gland to release ACTH

• instructs the liver & stores to release fasts & protein providing energy in the form of glucose

• suppresses the inflammatory & allergic reactions, thereby suppressing the immune response

• body is resistant to swelling & illness as it goes into stress, reducing the effects of injury during flight or flight

• stress response affects:  cardiovascular respiratory muscular    - skeletal    - smooth  digestion 

• reinforces SNS stress response

• adrenal medulla releases adrenalin

• CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM(CNS)moving into SNS

• ENDOCRINE SYSTEM

• PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES- heart rate & blood pressure increase to pump blood faster to muscles- breathing increases & bronchial tubes dilate to supply more o2 to blood- blood vessels of skeletal muscles dilate to increase blood supply- peripheral vessels to skin constrict diverting blood to muscles & reduces blood loss- glucose released from liver into blood to provide energy - pupils dilate to increase field of vision    - erector pili contract causing hair to stand- digestion & urinary functions slow as they are not required for survival- medulla produces adrenaline & noradrenaline to reinforce & maintain action of SNS

• CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM(CNS)moving into PSNS

• touchstimulates sensory receptors in skin

• environmentwarm room, nice smell, relaxing sounds, visually calm

• cerebral cortex (cerebrum)

• If touch interpreted as pleasurable Hypothalamus triggers PSNS activity

• alerts pituitary gland to release endorphins

• switches on the parasympathetic response

• prolonged periods of cortisol production can put the body into a state of 'chronic stress'

• Proprioceptors in muscles, tendons & joints provide improved information about body position & movement

• if touch & the environment are perceived as pleasurable they can help stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS)

• symptoms of chronic stress- insomnia- loss of immunity - cardio vascular disease- depression- osteoporosis & weak muscles

• Direct effects of massage stimulating vagus nerve via abdominal or occipital massage- kneading/draining relieve chronic muscle tension, manipulate fibres, stimulate circulation & remove lactic acid- energy holds stimulate shift to PSNS via sensory nerve receptors in skin- mobilisation increases range of movement & increases synovial fluid to lubricate held joints

• Activates SNSinhibits PSNS

• Indirect effects of massage- lowering blood pressure, - switching digestive system back on- relaxing muscles

• PSNS reverses physiological effects of SNS