Stress Response Vocabulary Flashcards

Understanding Stress

• Definition of Stress:
  • Originally a term for engineering, referring to compression, tension, or shearing forces.
  • Magnitude of stress combines external force and internal structure properties.
  • Resulting deformation is referred to as 'strain'.

Historical Context

• Hans Selye (1930s):
  • Introduced the concept of stress in physiology through experiments on rats.
  • Noticed stress-related diseases as a consequence of daily handling.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)

• Stages of GAS:
  1. Alarm: Recognition of stressor, immediate reaction.
  2. Resistance: Body adapts; physiological changes continue to manage stress.
  3. Exhaustion: Body's resources are depleted, health risks increase.

Key Concepts in Stress

• Stressor: Any unpredictable or uncontrollable stimulus causing stress.
• Stress Response: The physiological and/or behavioral response to a stressor.
• Stress Effects: Pathological consequences of the stress response, also known as 'strain'.

Body's Response to Stress

• Sympatho-Adrenomedullary System:

  • Activation triggered by stress (internal/external).
  • Involves hypothalamus, adrenal medulla, release of catecholamines (epinephrine & norepinephrine).
  • Short-term effects include increased heart rate, blood pressure, glucose release, alertness enhancement, and metabolic rate increase.

• HPA Axis:

  • Involves hypothalamic hormones (CRH) and pituitary hormones (ACTH).
  • Activates stress response leading to glucocorticoid production (long-term response).
  • Consequences include sustained glucose supply, increased blood volume, and suppression of non-essential systems.

Chronic Stress

• Definition: Ongoing activation of stress response leading to homeostatic overload.
• Health Effects:
  • Joint inflammation, muscle tension, reduced immune response.
  • Metabolic changes (e.g., decreased nutrient absorption, digestive issues).
  • Psychological impacts (e.g., anxiety, concentration difficulties).
  • Increased risks of cardiovascular diseases and reproductive issues.

Neurological Effects of Stress

• Cortex and Stress:
  • Chronic stress affects the hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex.
  • Can lead to memory issues, emotional control problems, and cognitive decline.

Factors Influencing Stress Response

1. Perception: Different experiences lead to varying stress levels.
2. Sense of Control: Control can reduce stress; lack of control can lead to anxiety and learned helplessness.
3. Coping Mechanisms: Availability and effectiveness of outlets for frustration (e.g., social support, hobbies) are crucial.
4. Genetics & Epigenetics: Hereditary factors can predispose individuals to anxiety or resilience.
5. Social Support and Buffering: Close social ties can mitigate stress effects and aid recovery.

Coping Styles

• Tend-and-Befriend:
  • Seeking social support in stressful situations is associated with elevations in oxytocin.
• Fight-or-Flight:
  • Results in aggression or defensiveness and is linked to heightened adrenal responses.

Conclusion and Questions for Further Study

• Key Questions:
  • What are the definitions of stress and its components?
  • How do the physiological pathways function?
  • What constitutes a 'good' vs. 'bad' stress response?
  • How do chronic stress effects manifest, and how do they relate to glucocorticoids?
  • What neurological changes occur due to chronic stress?
  • What factors modify individual responses to stressors?