Question 1

Which division of the autonomic nervous system is primarily responsible for mobilizing resources in response to acute stress, such as encountering a dangerous animal?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic Division

Question 2

During the 'fight or flight' response, which hormone is released from the adrenal medulla?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 3

A patient is experiencing chronic stress due to ongoing financial difficulties. Which physiological pathway is most likely to be persistently activated?

Accepted Answer

HPA Axis

Question 4

Which gland releases hormones that signal the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol during stress?

Accepted Answer

Pituitary Gland

Question 5

What is the correct sequence of activation in the HPA axis during a stress response?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus → Pituitary Gland → Adrenal Cortex

Question 6

Which of the following is a direct effect of sympathetic nervous system activation during stress?

Accepted Answer

Increased heart rate

Question 7

A student realizes they forgot to set their alarm and wakes up late for an exam. Which system is most immediately activated?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic Nervous System

Question 8

Which part of the body is directly responsible for the release of cortisol?

Accepted Answer

Adrenal Cortex

Question 9

In the context of stress physiology, which hormone is released by the pituitary gland to stimulate the adrenal cortex?

Accepted Answer

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the role of the hypothalamus in the stress response?

Accepted Answer

It activates the 'fight or flight' response and signals the pituitary gland.

Question 11

A person is exposed to a sudden loud noise. Which pathway is most likely to be activated first?

Accepted Answer

Sympathetic Nervous System

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a function of the sympathetic nervous system during stress?

Accepted Answer

Stimulating cortisol release from the adrenal medulla

Question 13

If a person is experiencing long-term stress due to a chronic illness, which hormone is most likely to be elevated?

Accepted Answer

Cortisol

Question 14

Which equation best represents the sequence of hormone release in the HPA axis?

Accepted Answer

$$Hypothalamus \rightarrow CRH \rightarrow Pituitary \rightarrow ACTH \rightarrow Adrenal~Cortex \rightarrow Cortisol$$

Question 15

Which of the following scenarios would most likely activate the HPA axis rather than the sympathetic nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Experiencing ongoing work-related stress for several months

Question 16

Which of the following is a correct statement about the adrenal gland?

Accepted Answer

The adrenal cortex releases cortisol during chronic stress.

Question 17

A person living in a wildfire-prone area experiences several weeks of high-intensity fires. Which physiological system is most likely activated?

Accepted Answer

HPA Axis

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why the HPA axis is activated during chronic stress?

Accepted Answer

It maintains elevated levels of cortisol to help the body cope with prolonged stressors.

Question 19

Which hormone is released from the adrenal medulla during the sympathetic nervous system response?

Accepted Answer

Epinephrine

Question 20

Which of the following is a multi-step process that occurs during the HPA axis activation?

Accepted Answer

Hypothalamus releases CRH, pituitary releases ACTH, adrenal cortex releases cortisol

Stress Physiology: The Biological Basis of Stress Responses

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