Question

(Each answer is expected to be detailed in the physiology of the macro and micro anatomy.)

A: You are sitting at your place of work, on the third story of the building, with the time

being approximately 1:15pm. You just returned from your lunch hour, in which you met

your family at a local restaurant and enjoy a nice meal. You family, spouse and two

children, were then on their way to go shopping while you had a 1:30pm meeting with

your team.

At 1:31pm you head in the conference room and take a seat next to the window along

the back way, facing the only door to the room. You are surrounded with 12 other

individuals when the room begins to shake. The shaking becomes more intense and lasts

for 45 seconds. Explain in detail, what is occurring in your body.

B: Explain what was occurring in your body at 1:15-1:30pm.

Answer 1

Following an earthquake, the body will initiate it's acute stress response. This response is initiated by perceived danger. The sympathetic system gets activated. The reaction is initiated in amygdala which triggered a hypothalamic response leading to ACTH secretion which leads to secretion of cortisol from adrenal cortex. Cortisol increases the blood sugar level blooda pressure making the body more prepared for a fight for survival. The sympathetic system stimulates the adrenal gland which secretes adrenalin into the blood. The release of adrenalin causes increase in heart rate, constriction of blood vessels in many parts of the body and dilation of blood vessels that supply to the muscles, dilation of pupils and decrease in peripheral vision and inhibition of digestion. All these responses make the body more suitable for responding to the crisis.

From, 1.15 to 1.30, the process of digestion was going on. The parasympathetic system is active here. The blood was redirected to the intestines for enabling absorption. In the stomach, the gastric acid secretion increases as a result of vagal stimulation. This can make the person lethargic.