AP PSYCHOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -The organism’s response to acute stress involves a complex process/network which is mediated by the HPA axis and involves changes in psychological and social factors. In addition to acute stress, chronic psychological stress also activates the HPA axis, which causes elevated glucocorticoid levels.

Detailed explanation-2: -Chronic stress can therefore make the HPA axis more sensitive, resulting in higher cortisol exposure or higher cortisol burden following each stressful episode. When there is excessive exposure, this is when it can influence the development of neuropsychiatric and metabolic disorders.

Detailed explanation-3: -As the initial surge of epinephrine subsides, the hypothalamus activates the second component of the stress response system-known as the HPA axis.

Detailed explanation-4: -HPA axis stress responses are initiated by corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Stressors cause release of CRH into the hypophysial portal vessels, which transport peptide to the anterior pituitary to enable access to corticotrophs.

Detailed explanation-5: -Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a central role in the stress response by regulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. In response to stress, CRF initiates a cascade of events that culminate in the release of glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex.