EXCI 251 Chapter Notes - Chapter 10: Autonomic Nervous System, Peripheral Nervous System, Sympathetic Nervous System
Document Summary
Stressor: any physical or psychological event or condition that produces stress. Stress response: the physiological changes associated with stress. Stress: the collective physiological and psychological responses to any stimulus that disturbs an individual"s homeostasis. Autonomic nervous system: the branch of the peripheral nervous system that, largely without conscious thought, controls basic body processes; consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. Parasympathetic division: a division of the autonomic nervous system that moderates the excitatory effect of the sympathetic division, slowing metabolism and restoring energy supplies. Sympathetic division: a division of the autonomic nervous system that reacts to danger or other challenges by almost instantly accelerating body processes. Norepinephrine: a neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system onto target tissues to increase their function in the face of increased activity; when released by the brain, it causes arousal (increased attention, awareness, and alertness); also called noradrenaline.
