Stress and the Stress Response

These flashcards cover key concepts related to stress and the physiological responses involved in managing stress.

Stress

The body's psychological and physiological response to a perceived threat.

Homeostasis

The maintenance of equilibrium through continuous adjustment of physiological processes to changing conditions.

Allostasis

The process of achieving stability through change, particularly during stress.

Allostatic Load

The cumulative burden of chronic stress and life events.

Adrenaline

A hormone released quickly during the stress response to prepare the body for 'fight or flight' situations.

Cortisol

A hormone released from the adrenal cortex that helps manage stress and increase blood glucose levels.

HPA Axis

The hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, a central stress response system.

Physiological Stress Response

The body's automatic reaction to perceived threats, including changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and hormone levels.

Sympathetic Nervous System

Part of the autonomic nervous system that prepares the body for 'fight or flight' responses.

Perceived Stressor

Any stimulus that can trigger the stress response based on individual perception.