PSYC 100 Lecture Notes - Lecture 24: Cortisol, Adrenal Medulla, Peripheral Nervous System

• School: Queen's University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSYC 100
• Professor: Jordan Poppenk

Document Summary

A psychological and physiological reaction that occurs when perceived demands exceed existing resources to meet those demands. Refers to both events (stressors) and experiences in response to these events (stress response) Stressors can vary widely and can be acute or chronic. Set of physiological changes that occur in response to psychological or physical threats. Muscles: become more tense; trembling can occur. Blood vessels: blood pressure increases as major vessels dilate. General adaptation syndrome-theory of stress responses involving stages of alarm, resistance and exhaustion. When stress occurs, hypothalamus stimulates ans (specifically the sympathetic ns) Then the adrenal medulla (part of adrenal glands) release norepinephrine and epinephrine. Result in fight or flight physiological response: hpa (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal) axis. Which stimulates the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotrophic hormone. Secreted by adrenal cortex that prepares the body to respond to stressful situations. Depends on cognitive appraisal of event (how we assess and evaluate the potential threat and demands of an event)