A student is attempting to trace the feedback cycle involved in ...

[mp14]

A student is attempting to trace the feedback cycle involved in the stress response. Which of the following neural structures is thought to be the central integrating site for the stress response?
 
  A)
  Hypothalamus
  B)
  Cerebral cortex
  C)
  Locus ceruleus
  D)
  Reticular formation

Question 2

A medical student is scheduled to undergo a clinical exam of his assessment skills under the supervision of the attending physician.
 
  As a result of this stressor, the student has high serum levels of glucocorticoid hormones such as cortisol. Which of the following statements best captures an aspect of the role of glucocorticoid hormones such as cortisol in the physiological response to stress?
  A)
  Blood glucose levels are increased in anticipation of energy expenditure.
  B)
  The immune system is bolstered in response to an impending threat.
  C)
  Osteoblast activity and protein synthesis are suppressed in order to refocus energy.
  D)
  Attention, arousal, and respiratory rate are increased in order to prepare for a response.

[aliotak]

Answer to Question 1

Ans:
C

Feedback:

The locus ceruleus (LC) produces norepinephrine (NE), which initiates the autonomic syndrome known as fight-or-flight. The LC-NE system is connected to the hypothalamus, the limbic system, the hippocampus, and the cerebral cortex, which carry out the specific functions of the stress response.

Answer to Question 2

Ans:
C

Feedback:

Cortisol suppresses osteoblast activity, hematopoiesis, protein and collagen synthesis, and immune responses with the goal of preserving energy for a fight-or-flight response. Blood glucose levels are stabilized, not increased, and the immune system is not prioritized in the stress response. Increased attention, arousal, and respiratory rate are the domain of the locus ceruleus-norepinephrine system.