Question

In Selye's general adaptation syndrome theory of stress, the initial response of the autonomic nervous system to a stressor occurs in the _____ phase.

Answer 1

alarm reaction

Step-by-step explanation:

In Selye's general adaptation syndrome theory of stress, the initial response of the autonomic nervous system to a stressor occurs in the alarm reaction phase.

The Alarm Reaction is subdivided into two states, the shock phase and the counter shock phase. The physiological changes in the shock phase, when the individual experiences the stressor stimulus, are very exuberant.

During the Alarm Reaction the so-called Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) actively participates in the set of physiological changes. The ANS is a complex neurological ensemble that autonomously controls the entire internal environment of the body through activation and inhibition of the various systems, viscera and glands.

Also during the moment of acute stress stimulation (Alarm Reaction Shock Phase), a part of the Central Nervous System called Hypothalamus promotes the release of a hormone, which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland (which makes part of the hypothalamus) to release another hormone, ACTH. The latter gains the bloodstream and stimulates the adrenal glands for cortisol secretion.

Answer 2

The correct answer is alarm reaction.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Hans Selye, the stress suffered by the body can be predicted by the following three steps:

The first of these steps is called the alarm stage: Here the body sends a jolt of energy to the brain, to make us realize that it needs help to deal with the cause of the stress. This is similar to the reaction we have when we suddenly get scared. The heart accelerates and a part of the brain sends signals so that we continue alert in case "something else appears again". And this is where we enter the resistance stage. Here, the brain warns the body to remain alert (the adrenal cortex releases glucocorticoids) until what is causing us stress is gone, or the body can not stand anymore.

During this second stage the brain depletes the reserve energy to try to solve the problem caused by stress, and when all the energy is exhausted it enters the exhaustion stage, where a chronic stress disease can develop if the problem could not be resolved before.

At this stage the body is so exhausted that it does not even respond, the muscles soften and the blood pressure increases.

If stress is not treated, it can damage the hippocampus and lead to serious illness or even death.

If we go back to the example of fright, if we were panicked by a horror movie, once the movie ended or the monster disappeared, the body assimilates that the moment of stress is over and your pulse is normal again, and the body works again as usually. Then you will have overcome all 3 scenarios. But if you suffer another type of stress that is constant like stress work, you are likely to develop diseases, therefore you have to try to lead a healthy life and try not to stress.