Physiological responses to stress involve both the sympathomedullary (SAM) pathway and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Which one of the following statements correctly distinguishes between the physiological mechanisms of these two pathways?
The SAM pathway involves hormonal stimulation of the adrenal cortex via ACTH to release adrenaline, whereas the HPA axis involves direct sympathetic neural activation of the adrenal medulla to release cortisol.
The SAM pathway regulates the acute stress response through direct neural stimulation of the adrenal medulla to release catecholamines, whereas the HPA axis regulates the chronic stress response via endocrine signaling that triggers the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.
The HPA axis uses neuronal pathways to stimulate the adrenal cortex to release adrenaline, whereas the SAM pathway uses hormonal pathways to stimulate the pituitary gland to release noradrenaline.
Cortisol is released by the adrenal medulla during acute 'fight or flight' responses managed by the HPA axis, whereas adrenaline is released by the adrenal cortex during chronic stress managed by the SAM pathway.
11 exam-style questions on AQA A Level Psychology Physiology of stress. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.