Stress_&_Disease

Stress response

The physiological and psychological reactions that occur in response to stressors.

General adaptation syndrome

A nonspecific response to stress that includes three stages - alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.

Physiological stressors

Stressors that are related to the body's physical state, such as high altitude or exercise.

Psychogenic stressors

Stressors that are related to psychological factors and interactions with others.

Alarm phase

The initial phase of the stress response where the body senses the stressor and prepares for fight or flight.

Resistance phase

The phase where the body adapts to the stressor and remains on guard, with stress-related symptoms possibly present.

Recovery phase

The phase where the stress is removed and the body returns to a normal state of function.

Exhaustion phase

The phase where chronic stress continues and the body's resources to combat stress are depleted, leading to potential stress-related illness.

Allostasis

The concept of achieving stability through change and adaptation in response to stressors.

Physiologic stress

The body's response to external stressors that can affect physiological functions and behaviors.

Circadian disruption

Disruption of the body's natural sleep-wake cycle due to factors like night shifts or irregular sleep patterns.

Individual vulnerabilities

Personal characteristics and past experiences that influence an individual's physiological response to stress.

Behavioral responses

Actions and reactions exhibited by an individual in response to stress, which can be adaptive or maladaptive.

Allostasis

The process by which the body achieves stability and balance through physiological responses to stressors.

Homeostasis

The state of equilibrium and stability in the body's internal environment.

Adaptation

The ability to adjust and respond effectively to stressors, maintaining homeostasis.

Lack of adaptation

Inability to effectively adjust and respond to stressors, leading to a disruption in homeostasis.

Prolonged response

A continuous physiological response to stress without returning to baseline, resulting in a lack of recovery.

Inadequate response

A lack of physiological response to stressors, often seen in individuals who are exhausted or depleted.

Alarm reaction

The initial response to stress that allows the body to mobilize resources and prepare for action.

Sympathetic response

The fast, neurological response to stress, often referred to as the fight or flight response.

Adrenal medulla

The part of the adrenal gland that releases catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) in response to stress.

Hormonal response

The slower, hormonal response to stress mediated through the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.

CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the production of ACTH.

ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)

A hormone released by the pituitary gland that stimulates the production of cortisol in the adrenal cortex.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones, such as cortisol, that are released in response to stress and have various metabolic effects, including glucose mobilization.

Feedback loop

A regulatory mechanism in which the output of a system influences its own activity, maintaining balance and stability.

Gluconeogenesis

The production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as lipids and proteins.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose, providing a source of energy during stress.

Glucose salt

A substance that increases glucose production in the body's metabolism to provide energy during times of stress.

Cortisol

A hormone produced by the adrenal cortex that increases myocardial contractility, cardiac output, and blood pressure in response to stress.

Adrenal gland

A critical gland involved in both the neural and hormonal stress response, producing epinephrine in the medulla and cortisol in the adrenal cortex.

Epinephrine

A hormone produced by the adrenal medulla that increases heart rate and triggers the fight or flight response.

ACTH

Adrenocorticotropic hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and release more glucose during stress.

Stress response

The body's physiological and psychological reaction to stressors, involving both neurological and hormonal mechanisms.

Immunodeficiency

A condition where chronic stress suppresses the immune function, leading to increased susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections.

Glucose metabolism

The process by which the body regulates blood glucose levels, which can be affected by chronic stress and lead to conditions like diabetes.

Chronic inflammation

Prolonged inflammation caused by chronic stress, which can contribute to various health conditions such as autoimmune diseases, cancer, and neurodegenerative diseases.

Stress ulcers

Ulcers that develop in the gastrointestinal tract due to the impact of stress on the body, particularly in the stomach.

Hypertension

High blood pressure, which can be elevated by chronic stress and cortisol levels.

Obesity

Excessive body weight caused by factors including chronic stress and the impact of cortisol on metabolism.

Cortisol

A hormone produced by the body in response to stress that can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Catecholamines

Hormones released during stress that can also increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Endothelial function

The ability of the cells lining the blood vessels to function properly, which can be altered by chronic stress.

Coagulation

The process of blood clotting, which can be affected by chronic stress.

Visceral obesity

The accumulation of fat around the organs in the abdominal area, which can be increased by stress.

Glucose mobilization

The movement of glucose from storage deposits into fat cells, which can be triggered by cortisol and catecholamines during stress.

Health behaviors

Actions or habits that can impact overall health, such as physical activity and caloric intake, which can be influenced by stress.

Diabetes

A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, which can be influenced by stress and cortisol production.

Inflammation

The body's response to injury or infection, which can be increased by chronic stress.

Amenorrhea

The absence or irregularity of menstrual periods, which can be caused by chronic stress affecting reproductive hormones.