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Core Concepts in Health Cover Image
Core Concepts in Health, 9/e
Paul M. Insel, Stanford University School of Medicine
Walton T. Roth, Stanford University School of Medicine

Stress: The Constant Challenge


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.