Paul M. Insel,
Stanford University School of Medicine
Walton T. Roth,
Stanford University School of Medicine
| stressor | Any physical or psychological event or condition that produces stress.
|
 |
|
|
| stress response | The physiological changes associated with stress.
|
|
|
|
| stress | The collective physiological and emotional responses to any stimulus that disturbs an individual's homeostasis.
|
|
|
|
| autonomic nervous system | The branch of the peripheral nervous system that, largely without conscious thought, controls basic body processes; consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
|
|
|
|
| parasympathetic division | A division of the autonomic system that moderates the excitatory effect of the sympathetic division, slowing metabolism and restoring energy supplies.
|
|
|
|
| sympathetic division | A division of the autonomic nervous system that reacts to danger or other challenges by almost instantly accelerating body processes.
|
|
|
|
| endocrine system | The system of glands, tissues, and cells that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to influence metabolism and other body processes.
|
|
|
|
| hormone | A chemical messenger produced in the body and transported by the bloodstream to target cells or organs for specific regulation of their activities.
|
|
|
|
| hypothalamus | A part of the brain that activates, controls, and integrates the autonomic mechanisms, endocrine activities, and many body functions.
|
|
|
|
| pituitary gland | The "master gland," closely linked with the hypothalamus, that controls other endocrine glands and secretes hormones that regulate growth, maturation, and reproduction.
|
|
|
|
| adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) | A hormone, formed in the pituitary gland, that stimulates the outer layer of the adrenal gland to secrete its hormones. (p. 27)
|
|
|
|
| adrenal glands | Two glands, one lying atop each kidney, their outer layer (cortex) producing steroid hormones such as cortisol, and their inner core (medulla) producing the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.
|
|
|
|
| cortisol | A steroid hormone secreted by the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal gland; also called hydrocortisone.
|
|
|
|
| epinephrine | A hormone secreted by the medulla (inner core) of the adrenal gland; also called adrenaline, the "fear hormone."
|
|
|
|
| norepinephrine | A hormone secreted by the medulla (inner core) of the adrenal gland; also called noradrenaline, the "anger hormone."
|
|
|
|
| endorphins | Brain secretions that have pain-inhibiting effects.
|
|
|
|
| fight-or-flight reaction | A defense reaction that prepares an individual for conflict or escape by triggering hormonal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and other changes.
|
|
|
|
| homeostasis | A state of stability and consistency in an individual's physiological functioning.
|
|
|
|
| somatic nervous system | The branch of the peripheral nervous system that governs motor functions and sensory information; largely under our conscious control.
|
|
|
|
| gender role | A culturally expected pattern of behavior and attitudes determined by whether a person is male or female.
|
|
|
|
| general adaptation syndrome (GAS) | A pattern of stress responses consisting of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
|
|
|
|
| eustress | Stress resulting from a pleasant stressor.
|
|
|
|
| distress | Stress resulting from an unpleasant stressor.
|
|
|
|
| psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) | The study of the interactions among the brain, the endocrine system, and the immune system.
|
|
|
|
| atherosclerosis | The buildup of hard yellow plaques of fatty material in the lining of arteries that have become damaged from advancing age or high blood pressure; a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
|
|
|
|
| burnout | A state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
|
|
|
|
| relaxation response | A physiological state characterized by a feeling of warmth and quiet mental alertness.
|
|
|
|
| visualization | A technique for promoting relaxation or improving performance that involves creating or recreating vivid mental pictures of a place or an experience; also called imagery.
|
|
|
|
| meditation | A technique for quieting the mind by focusing on a particular word, object (such as a candle flame), or process (such as breathing).
|
|
|
|
| biofeedback | A technique in which monitoring devices are used to help a person become conscious of unconscious body processes, such as body temperature or blood pressure, in order to exert some control over them.
|
2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education