pathophysiology podcast ch 7

Stress

any factor (physical, emotional, environmental) that disrupts homeostasis

Homeostasis

body’s dynamic steady state of internal balance

Allostasis

process of achieving stability through change via adaptive systems

Stressors

stimuli that trigger stress response (e.g., infection, injury, emotional upheaval)

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

body’s three‑stage reaction to stress—alarm, resistance, exhaustion

Alarm stage

initial recognition of stress and activation of “fight‑or‑flight” via SNS and HPA axis

Resistance stage

adaptation phase where body attempts to return to homeostasis at a new level of stress

Exhaustion stage

failure of adaptive systems, leading to stress‑related disease or death

Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis

hormonal pathway involving cortisol release to manage stress

Cortisol

glucocorticoid hormone that increases blood sugar, suppresses immunity during stress

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS)

part of autonomic system that increases heart rate, blood pressure, and energy supplies

Adrenal medulla

part of adrenal glands releasing catecholamines (epinephrine & norepinephrine)

Catecholamines

hormones that prepare body for acute stress by increasing alertness and cardiovascular activity

Allostatic load

cumulative wear and tear on the body due to chronic stress

Adaptive coping

behaviors and processes that effectively reduce emotional distress and support homeostasis

Maladaptive coping

behaviors that temporarily relieve stress but lead to health issues (e.g., substance abuse, avoidance)

Psychoneuroimmunology

study of interaction between psychological processes, the nervous and immune systems

Chronic stress

prolonged stress response that contributes to disease (e.g., hypertension, depression, immunosuppression)

Stress‑related disease

illnesses resulting from chronic stress—cardiovascular disease, ulcers, diabetes, depression

Resiliency

ability to cope with stress and bounce back after adversity

Stress management techniques

interventions like mindfulness, exercise, counseling, time management that reduce allostatic load