Stress and the Stress Response

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts related to stress and the stress response, as discussed in the lecture notes.

Stress

The body's psychological and physiological response to perceived threats, aiming to re-establish homeostasis.

Stress Response

The process of maintaining equilibrium through continuous adjustment of physiological processes in response to changing conditions.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of a stable internal environment in the body despite changes in external conditions.

Allostasis

Short-term adaptation to acute stress; maintaining stability through change.

Allostatic Load

The cumulative effects of stressors on the body and its ability to adapt to challenges.

General Adaptation Syndrome

A physiological response to stress that occurs in three stages: alarm reaction, resistance, and exhaustion.

Alarm Reaction

The initial response to stress, involving activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of stress hormones.

Resistance Stage

The adaptation to prolonged stress, where the body continues to cope through hormonal responses.

Exhaustion Stage

The stage where continuous stress leads to breakdown of homeostatic mechanisms, potentially resulting in disease.

Acute Stress Response

The body's immediate response to a perceived threat, characterized by rapid physiological changes.

Chronic Stress Response

The prolonged response to stress, leading to negative health effects such as immune suppression and chronic diseases.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis

The system that regulates stress responses, involving the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)

A hormone released by the hypothalamus that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce ACTH.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

A hormone released by the anterior pituitary that stimulates the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids.

Glucocorticoids

Hormones released by the adrenal cortex in response to stress, including cortisol.

Fight or Flight Response

The physiological reaction that occurs in response to a perceived harmful event, attack, or threat.

Stressors

Any stimuli that trigger the stress response and disrupt homeostatic balance.