Stress

Question 1

Define stress?

Answer 1

Pathophysiological changes following exposure to diverse physical/chemical/emotional changes

Question 2

What are the three output stress responses?

Answer 2

Behavioural
Autonomic nervous system
H-P-A axis

Question 3

Psychological stress can be divided into?

Answer 3

Controllable stress (self made)
Uncontrollable stress: external (bereavement) or internal (perfectionism)

Question 4

Which area of brain regulates fear?

Answer 4

Amygdala

Question 5

What is the function of the hippocampus?

Answer 5

Memory function

Formation of moods and emotions

Question 6

Where is Nor-epinepherine synthesised in the brain?

Answer 6

Locus corruleus (reticular formation)
(also in the lateral tegmental area)

Question 7

Which two hormones play a role in physiological adaptations to stress?

Answer 7

CRH

Nor-epi

Question 8

Where is CRH synthesised?

Answer 8

Paraventricular nucleus

Question 9

What is the major regulator of the H-P-A?

Answer 9

CRH

Question 10

What is the most important area of the brain in regards to sympathetic nervous system stress response?

Answer 10

Hypothalamus

Question 11

Between which vertebral levels is all the sympathetic innervation contained?

Answer 11

T1 - L2

Question 12

The hypothalamus has strong connections with which two regions in regards to sympathetic nervous output?

Answer 12

Reticular formation within the brainstem (Locus coruleus synthesises Nor-Epi)
Intermediolateral cell column of the spinal cord

Question 13

Name the two types of sympathetic nervous system ganglia?

Answer 13

Paravertebral (sympathetic chain)

Pre-vertebral (i.e. ceoliac ganglion)

Question 14

Where do pre-ganglionic sympathetic fibres synapse onto in the adrenal medulla?

Answer 14

Adrenal chromaffin cells

Question 15

What is the distribution ratio of Epi and nor-Epi from the adrenal medulla?

Answer 15

80:20

Question 16

What is the clinical set point defining tachycardia?

Answer 16

H.R>100 bpm

Question 17

What is the cause beneath sinus tachycardia?

Answer 17

Epi release acting on cardiac cells to increase the work of the heart

Question 18

What is the cause beneath supraventricular tachycardia?

Answer 18

Hyperventilation causing hypercapnia and therefore blood vessels vasoconstrict, as a result the ventricles of the heart must contract with greater force and work harder to maintain blood flow

Question 19

What is the clinical set point defining hypertension?

Answer 19

140(+)//90(+) mmHg

Question 20

What drug may be effective in treating the symptoms underlying PTSD and panic disorders?

Answer 20

Propanolol - non specific Beta blocker