Neurobehavioral Medicine

Question 1

What are the 4 theories of stress?

Answer 1

Fight or Flight theory (Cannon, 1932)- Response will be to attack or flee

General Adaptation Syndrome (Selye, 1936)- 3 stages to a stress response: Alarm stage (Make a decision), Resistance (withstand the stressor), Exhaustion (parasympathetic system kicks in as physiological and psychological resources have been depleted)

Cognitive Appraisal Theory (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984)- 2 parts to a situation. 1. Assessment of the situation (is there a threat?). 2 Assessment of coping abilities and resources (Do I have the resources at my disposal?)

Generalised Unsafety Theory of Stress (2018)- Stress response is always active but the perception of safety inhibits (puts the brakes) on this response so you remain calm

Question 2

What is meant by the Sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system (SAM)?

Answer 2

Hypothalamus stimulated by stressor.
Action potential through sympathetic division of ANS to Adrenal Medulla.
Secretion of adrenaline & Noradrenaline.
Leads to fight or flight responses such as dilated pupils, accelerated heartbeat etc.

Question 3

What is meant by the HPA axis?

Answer 3

Hypothalamus releases Corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), which travels to the pituitary gland, triggering the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). This hormone travels to the adrenal glands (adrenal cortex) promoting them to release cortisol. The body thus stays revved up and on high alert. Once the stressor is removed, there is negative feedback to the levels of CRH so homeostasis returns. Continued or repeated exposure to stressor leads to chronic activation of HPA axis which results in long term stress and mental health concerns.

Question 4

What is Allostatic load?

Answer 4

This refers to the cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events.

Question 5

What are the 12 Cranial nerves and what mneumonic can help you remember them?

Answer 5

Oh Oh Oh to touch and feel very good velvet such heaven
1= Olfactory- Smell
2= Optical- Sight
3 = oculomotor- Eye movements
4= Trochlear- Eye movements
5= Trigeminal- Facial sensitivity and muscles of mastication
6= Abducens- Eye movements
7= Facial- Facial movements and anterior 2/3rds of tongue taste
8= Vestibulocochlear- Hearing
9 = Glossopharyngeal- Parotid glands and posterior 1/3rd of tongue taste
10= Vagus- Parasympathetic response
11= Spinal Accessory- Neck and shoulder movements
12= Hypoglossal- Movement of the tongue