Questions and Answers
What is homeostasis?
What is allostasis?
Match the stages of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) with their descriptions:
Alarm = Fight-or-flight response Resistance/Adaptation = Nervous and endocrine systems returning to homeostasis Exhaustion stage = Body can no longer return to homeostasis
What are stressors?
Signup and view all the answers
What are risk factors for stress?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the neurohormonal mediators of stress and adaptation?
Signup and view all the answers
What factors influence the effects of stress responses?
Signup and view all the answers
What is distress?
Signup and view all the answers
What are the adaptation methods for stress?
Signup and view all the answers
What can allostatic overload lead to?
Signup and view all the answers
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
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.
