Psyc of health and stress module 1.4-1.7

Limbic System

plays a role in stress and emotional responses.

neurotransmitters

chemicals that regulate nervous system functioning.

catecholamines

neurotransmitters that promote sympathetic activation.

the endocrine system

 complements the nervous system in controlling bodily activities. A series of glands that secrete hormones into the body.

Hypothalamus + pituitary gland:

regulates the endocrine system

adrenal glands

  secrete the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Critically involved in the body’s response to stress

what is the function of the circulatory system

to transport blood, oxygen and nutrients to the body

what are the main parts of the circulatory system

the heart, blood vessels, and blood

what are the chambers of the heart called?

right and left atrium (upper) and right and left ventricle (lower).

what is the first step of blood flow through the heart

the right atrium takes in blood carrying carbon dioxide

what is the 2nd step of blood flow through the heart

blood is squeezed down into the right ventricle and taken to the lungs, where oxygen replaces carbon dioxide

what is the third step of blood flow through the heart

oxygen-carrying blood from the lungs enters the left atrium

what is the fourth step of blood flow through the heart

blood is pumped into the left ventricle and starts its journey again throughout the body

what are the main components of blood

red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma

plasma

The liquid component of blood, primarily water, carrying various dissolved substances.

red blood cells

Contain hemoglobin, which binds to oxygen and transports it throughout the body.

white blood cells

Part of the immune system, defending the body against infections.

platelets

Essential for blood clotting, preventing excessive bleeding.

what are the types of blood vessels.

veins, arteries and capillaries

artery

It has the thickest wall of all three, allowing it to withstand the high pressure created by the heart.

capillary

It has the thinnest wall to allow substances such as oxygen and sugars to pass through its wall—into or out of the blood.

vein

It is less muscular and stretchy than an artery, so blood moves through it with low pressure. It also has a special valve that helps blood go only one way.

what is an arteries purpose?

carries blood away from the heart

what is a capillaries purpose?

assists in the exchange of substances between the blood and tissue.

what is a vein’s main purpose

carries blood toward the heart.

atherosclerosis

A condition where plaque builds up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow.

angina pectoris

Chest pain

Occurs when insufficient oxygen makes it to the heart or there’s inadequate removal of CO2 + other waste products

myocardial infarction

Heart Attack

A clot develops in a coronary vessel and blocks blood flow to the heart

ischemia

Lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart

Can lead to heart attacks

systole

Contraction phase, where the heart pumps blood out. (top number in BP)

diastole

Relaxation phase, where the heart refills with blood. (bottom number in BP)

blood pressure changes

Blood pressure rises during systole and falls during diastole.

how does exercise affect the heart

Increases heart rate to meet the body's increased demand for oxygen.

how does stress and excitement affect the heart?

Trigger the release of hormones that elevate heart rate.

blood pressure

The force exerted by blood against the walls of blood vessels.

what are some factors that influence blood pressure

Cardiac output, peripheral resistance, elasticity of arterial walls, and blood volume.

what is a normal blood pressure?

Less than 120 systolic pressure AND Less than 80 diastolic pressure

peripheral resistance

when blood vessels constrict

what is the BP of someone with hypertensive crisis?

180/120

what is the BP of someone with stage 2 hypertension?

140/90

what is the BP of someone with stage 1 hypertension

130-139/80-89

hypertension

Persistently high blood pressure, a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other health problems.

the silent killer

Often asymptomatic in its early stages, making regular blood pressure checks crucial.

digestion

The process of breaking down food into nutrients that your body can absorb and use for energy, growth, and cell repair.

what is the mouths role in digestion

saliva starts the breakdown of carbohydrates

what is the esophagus role in digestion

transport food to the stomach

what is the stomachs role in digestion

mixes food with gastric juices (pepsin and hydrochloric acid)

what is the pancreas role in digestion

produces enzymes that break down nutrients and insulin to regulate blood sugar

what is the livers role in digestion

produces bile, which helps digest fat.

what is the gallbladder role in digestion

stores bile produced by the liver

what is the small intestines role in digestion

works with pancreas and liver to break down proteins, carbs, and fats.

what do villi and microvilli do in the small intestine

increase surface area absorption

what is the large intestines role in digestion

absorbs water and forms feces

what is the rectums role in digestion

stores feces

what is the anus role in digestion

opening for elimination of waste

enteric nervous system (ENS)

A network of 100 million neurons in the walls of the gastrointestinal tract.

sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight)

slows digestion under stress

parasympathetic nervous system (rest & digest)

stimulates digestion

how does ENS connect to the brain?

via vagus nerve and neurotransmitters

what functions does ENS control?

muscle contractions, enzyme secretion, and blood flow in digestion.

what roles does serotonin play?

mood, digestion, nausea, sleep, wound healing, bone health, and sexual health.

how much of serotonin is produced in your gut?

95%

how can chronic stress affect digestion?

reduce blood flow to the gut, increases gut permeability, and alters gut bacteria

how can one improve their gut health?

eat fiber, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, and mange stress

GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE (GERD)

Acid reflux from the stomach back into the esophagus.

peptic ulcers

Chronic stress may weaken the stomach lining, making ulcers worse.

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

abdominal pain and changes in bowel habits

testosterone

•mood regulation, aggression, & energy levels.

what happens if you have too little testosterone?

fatigue, depression, and decreased motivation

what happens if you have too much testosterone?

increased risk-taking behaviors and irritability

estrogen

•Affects mood, cognition, and stress resilience.

higher levels of estrogen =

better emotional regulation and memory

lower levels of estrogen =

mood swings, anxiety, and “brain fog”

progesterone

calming affect; reduces anxiety

fluctuations in progesterone=

mood swings and irritability

how long is a males hormone cycle

24 hours

when does testosterone tend to peak?

around 8am

what days of the cycle is menstruation?

1-5

symptoms of mensturation

•Low energy, cramps, bloating, irritability, headaches.

psychological impact of menstruation

Heightened stress sensitivity, lower frustration tolerance. This is in part due to decreasing estrogen and progesterone.

what cycle days is follicular

6-14

symptoms of follicular

increased energy, better mood

psychological impact of follicular

improved motivation, confidence, and cognitive function. Likely due to increased estrogen and decreased progesterone.

ovulation

a mature egg is released from your ovaries and hangs out in a fallopian tube, waiting to be fertilized by sperm

what cycle days is ovulation

14-16

symptoms of ovulation

Peak mood, increased libido, higher confidence.

psychological impact of ovulation

More social and assertive. Likely because estrogen levels peak here.

what days of the cycle is luteal

17-28

symptoms of luteal

Mood swings, fatigue, cravings, anxiety, increased stress response.

health psychologist role in STI’s?

•Behavior change interventions

•Cognitive Strategies

•Education and awareness

how many american couples does infertility affect

10%

menopause

as a natural transition in a woman's reproductive life. May cause symptoms like: Sleep disorders, hot flashes, joint pain, forgetfulness, dizziness