1. Module 2

1.25. Page 6

Lesson 3

Module 2—The Endocrine System

Reflect and Connect

 

Stress, in moderate doses, is a good thing! Based on the concepts that you have reviewed in this lesson, reflect on how stress is good. What kinds of activities are carried out better under some stress? Do you think athletes would do as well if they did not experience the stress of competition that gives them that extra burst of epinephrine? If your heart did not beat a little faster and your breathing rate was not increased at all, do you think you would do as well on an exam? Why do you think “extreme sports” are so popular? Is being too laid-back a good thing in some situations? How is too much stress bad for you? Why does a constant accelerated heart rate and constant higher-than-normal blood pressure lead to heart attacks? Reflect on these questions, and use the concepts that you have learned in this lesson to formulate possible responses. Share your responses in the class discussion area. Did any of the other students surprise you with their response?

 

Reflect on the Big Picture

 

Due to FMEN 1, Emily has developed tumours in both her anterior pituitary and in her adrenal cortex. How has this affected the secretion of hormones in her body? What has happened to her stress responses? If the tumours had not been diagnosed and treated, what potentially life-threatening risks might she have faced?

 

Going Beyond

 

Hans Selye, a scientist at the University of Montreal, first described the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). GAS has three main stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. However, Selye did not regard all stress as bad, and even said that some stress was the “spice of life.” Researchers have called this good stress “eustress.” Using library sources as well as the Internet, research GAS.

 

Module 2: Lesson 3 Assignment

 

Submit your completed Module 2: Lesson 3 Assignment to your teacher for assessment.