Stress and Steroids-1

Stress

Inability to cope with demands or threats to one's well-being, which can be physiologic or psychologic.

Physiologic Stressors

Factors that can induce stress on the body such as pain, excessive noise, starvation, and infection.

Psychologic Stressors

Emotional factors that cause stress, like the diagnosis of cancer, death of a spouse, or caring for a disabled child.

Resilience

The ability to adapt and bounce back from stressors effectively.

Cerebral Cortex

Part of the brain that controls cognition, affect, and movement; evaluates stressors based on past experiences.

Limbic System

Known as the 'emotional brain', it mediates between emotions and behavior and is crucial for self-preservation.

Reticular Formation

Part of the brain that sends impulses to alert the limbic system and cerebral cortex, increasing wakefulness.

Hypothalamus

Communicates between endocrine and nervous systems; plays a key role in regulating the body's stress response.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for the 'fight-or-flight' response, increasing heart rate and blood pressure.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

Opposes the sympathetic nervous system; responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

Cortisol

A hormone released during stress that has widespread effects on the body, preparing it for a perceived emergency.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Hormone released by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol.

Stress Response Components

Includes increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, and redirected blood flow to vital organs.

Chronic Stress Impact

Can lead to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, metabolic issues, and decreases overall immune function.