Ch. 11: Emotional Behaviors

Adrenocorticiotropic hormone (ACTH)

Chemical released from the aterior pituitary gland, which enhances metabolic activity and elevates blood levels of sugar

Antibodies

Y-shaped proteins that attach to particular kinds of antigens

Antigens

Surface proteins on a cell that identify the cell as your own

Behavioral medicine

Field that includes the effects of diet, smoking, exercise, stressful experiences, and other behaviors on health

Cortisol

Hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that elevates blood sugar and enhances metabolism

Cytokines

Small proteins that combat infections and communicate with the brain to elicit appropriate behaviors

Enteric nervous system

General adaptation syndrome

A generalized response to stress

HPA axis

The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex

Immune system

Structures that protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other intruders

Leukocyte

White blood cells

Prostaglandins

Chemicals the immune system delivers to the hypothalamus, causing a fever

Psychoneuroimmunology

Study of the ways in which experiences, especially stressful ones, alter the immune system and how the immune system influences the central nervous system

Resilience

Ability to recover well from a traumatic experience

Stress

The nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it; also defined as events that are interpreted as threatening