Homeostasis and Stress Responses Flashcards

Study Notes

Homeostasis vs. Allostasis

Homeostasis refers to the stability and balance of systems within the body, characterized by an ideal "set point."
Allostasis involves the body's ability to adapt to various challenges, maintaining homeostasis despite environmental and lifestyle changes.

General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) Stages

Alarm: Triggered by a stressful stimulus leading to the fight-or-flight response.
Resistance/Adaptation: Nervous and endocrine systems work to restore homeostasis, entering an allostatic state.
Exhaustion: Occurs when the body can no longer achieve homeostasis, resulting in allostatic overload, which strains organs and tissues due to ineffective stress regulation.

Understanding Stressors

Stressors are agents or conditions that threaten homeostasis, causing stress.
Stressors can be external (environmental) or internal (psychological) in nature.
They vary in type: physical, chemical, biological, social, cultural, or psychological.
Reactions to stressors are subjective and can be positively or negatively perceived.

Risk Factors for Stress

Risk factors are conditions that increase the likelihood of being exposed to stressors.

Neurohormonal Mediators of Stress and Adaptation

CAEO stands for:
- Catecholamines: Epinephrine and norepinephrine, crucial for the stress response.
- Adrenocortical Steroids: Cortisol and aldosterone, important for metabolic responses.
- Endorphins & Enkephalins: Endogenous opioids acting as natural pain relievers.
- Hormones: Growth Hormone (GH), Prolactin, and Oxytocin, influencing various physiological processes.

Influences on Stress Response Effects

Genetics may affect how individuals respond to stress.
Social status can influence access to resources and support systems.
Preexisting health conditions can impact stress resilience.
Allostatic state indicates the body’s current adaptability level to stress.
Ability to manage stress plays a significant role in overall response outcomes.

Distress

Distress refers to an individual's inability to effectively cope with a stressor, leading to dysfunctional responses.

Adaptation Methods for Stress

Habituation: Gradually getting used to a stressor or environment.
Desensitization techniques include biofeedback, visualization, and meditation to manage stress effectively.

Consequences of Allostatic Overload

Allostatic overload can lead to various physical and emotional illnesses and disorders.
Chemical mediators from the stress response, including cortisol, catecholamines, and cytokines, contribute to these adverse health outcomes.

Description

Explore key concepts in homeostasis, allostasis, and the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) through this informative flashcard quiz. Understand how the body maintains stability and adapts to stressors through various stages. Ideal for students and professionals interested in physiology and psychology.