3.3.2 Cortisol & chronic stress Flashcards Preview

A Level Psychology > 3.3.2 Cortisol & chronic stress > Flashcards

Flashcards in 3.3.2 Cortisol & chronic stress Deck (18)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

what does the HPA pathway stand for?

A

the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal pathway

2
Q

(HPA pathway) when a stressor is encountered the SAM response is triggered as well as a what?

A

second slower response - the HPA pathway

3
Q

(HPA pathway) 1. stressor is perceived by what?

A

the hypothalamus

4
Q

(HPA pathway) 2. which pathway is activated?

A

the HPA pathway

5
Q

(HPA pathway) 3. which hormone is released?

A

CRF

6
Q

(HPA pathway) 3. what does CRF stimulate?

A

the pituitary gland

7
Q

(HPA pathway) 4. the pituitary gland releases which hormone?

A

ACTH

8
Q

(HPA pathway) 4. what does ACTH stimulate?

A

the adrenal glands

9
Q

(HPA pathway) 5. the adrenal cortex releases what into the bloodstream?

A

corticosteroids

10
Q

(HPA pathway) 6. what do corticosteroids do?

A

release glucose from the liver for energy

suppress the immune system

11
Q

(cortisol) cortisol is part of which family of hormones?

A

glucocorticoids

12
Q

(cortisol) cortisol plays a role in the CNS where it is involved in what?

A

learning
memory
regulation of glucose storage
immune system

13
Q

(cortisol) when released in response to stress what does cortisol do? what does this make us more able to do?

A

lowers sensitivity to pain
releases glucose for energy
deal with an on going stressor

14
Q

(cortisol & memory) cortisol can negatively affect what?

A

cognitive performance

15
Q

(cortisol & memory) cortisol can impair what when we are stressed?

A

impair our memory

16
Q

(cortisol & memory) give examples of how cortisol can impair memory when stressed:

A

mind going blank in an exam or interview or when put on the spot

17
Q

(cortisol & health) what is immunosuppression?

A

weakened immune system due to a decrease in the number of white blood cells

18
Q

(cortisol & memory) cortisol can have an effect on the immune system as high levels of corticosteroids can do what?

A

shrink the thymus gland

reducing t cell production

Decks in A Level Psychology Class (131):