Homeostasis and Stress L7

These flashcards cover key concepts regarding homeostasis, stress, and their physiological implications as discussed in the lecture.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain a stable internal environment.

Stress

Any physical or psychological stimulus that disrupts physiological homeostasis.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

A three-phase model developed by Hans Selye to describe the body's response to stress: Alarm, Resistance, and Exhaustion.

Alarm Phase

The immediate reaction to a stressor, where the body prepares for 'fight or flight'.

Resistance Phase

The stage where the body adapts to stress and maintains heightened arousal.

Exhaustion Phase

The final stage of GAS where resources are depleted, leading to decreased performance and health risks.

Hypothalamus

The brain region that detects stress and communicates with the body’s systems to initiate a stress response.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that triggers the 'fight or flight' response.

Parasympathetic Nervous System

The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for 'rest and digest' functions.

Cortisol

A glucocorticoid hormone released by the adrenal glands during stress, which helps sustain the body's stress response.

Negative Feedback Loop

A mechanism that counteracts changes from a desired state, helping to maintain homeostasis.

Distress

Negative stress that can cause health risks and decreased performance.

Eustress

Positive stress that promotes growth, motivation, and adaptation.

Perception of Stress

Individual interpretation of stress; one person may find a situation challenging while another finds it overwhelming.

Osteocalcin

A hormone produced by bones that may help modulate the stress response.