Chapter 09: Stress and Disease

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Questions and Answers

What is the term used to describe the physiological and psychological responses to stress identified by Cannon in 1914?

General Adaptation Syndrome

Psychoneuroimmunology

Allostasis

Stress Response (correct)

What are the three stages of the General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS)?

Alarm, Resistance, Exhaustion (correct)

Shock, Stability, Overload

Stress, Adaptation, Homeostasis

Alarm, Recovery, Resistance

What is allostatic overload?

A state of equilibrium in the body

A successful adaptation to prolonged stress

A physiological response without psychological impact

Overactivation of adaptive responses leading to disease susceptibility (correct)

Which of the following best defines homeostasis?

Maintaining a constant internal environment despite external changes Signup and view all the answers

What does psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) study?

The relationship between stressors, the nervous system, and immune responses Signup and view all the answers

What physiological changes were demonstrated by Selye as a result of stress?

Adrenal gland enlargement and immune alterations Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes anticipatory psychological stressors?

Stress created by expectations regarding potential future events Signup and view all the answers

What result can occur if the resistance stage in GAS fails to restore homeostasis?

Development of diseases of adaptation Signup and view all the answers

Which term describes stability through change in the context of stress responses?

Allostasis Signup and view all the answers

What physiological changes are NOT typically associated with the stress response?

Improved immune function Signup and view all the answers

What role do glucocorticoids play in response to stress?

They mobilize metabolic substances into the bloodstream. Signup and view all the answers

How does cortisol affect blood glucose levels during stress?

It elevates blood glucose levels by hindering cellular uptake. Signup and view all the answers

What system complements the effects of catecholamines during stress?

The parasympathetic nervous system. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the HPA axis during stress?

To regulate hormone secretion, including cortisol. Signup and view all the answers

What may prolonged exposure to elevated cortisol levels lead to?

Development of metabolic syndrome. Signup and view all the answers

What psychological factor can influence the physiological response to stress?

Coping styles and strategies. Signup and view all the answers

What is often the consequence of chronic stress on the immune system?

Decreased innate immunity and increased autoimmune responses. Signup and view all the answers

Which hormone primarily increases cardiac output during stress?

Epinephrine. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do catecholamines have on blood vessels during a stress response?

They constrict blood vessels in the viscera and skin. Signup and view all the answers

What personality characteristic is associated with the response to stress?

Optimism can enhance coping efficacy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Overview of Stress and Disease

Stress is a perceived or anticipated threat, leading to interactions between the brain and body.
Historical context provided by Cannon (1914) and Selye (1946); Selye's General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) identifies the physiological effects of stress.
GAS consists of three stages: alarm, resistance (adaptation), and exhaustion (now termed allostatic overload).
Psychological stress can be anticipatory or reactive, both capable of eliciting physiological responses.

General Concepts

Evolution of stress research has introduced concepts such as psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) and differentiates allostasis (adaptive responses) from homeostasis (static set points).
Allostatic overload may increase disease susceptibility if adaptation does not restore homeostasis.
Psychological stress can contribute to various disorders, including anxiety, depression, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.

The Stress Response Mechanism

The stress response operates through the nervous system (autonomic), endocrine system (HPA axis), and immune system.
Activation of the sympathetic branch triggers catecholamine release (norepinephrine, epinephrine) from the adrenal medulla.
The HPA axis sequentially releases corticotropin-releasing hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol.

Role of Cortisol and Catecholamines

Cortisol impacts metabolism, enhancing glucose, amino acids, and lipids mobilization while inhibiting glucose uptake by cells.
Chronic dysregulation of the HPA axis with elevated cortisol levels is linked to disorders like obesity, hypertension, and diabetes.
Glucocorticoids can influence fetal development and the risk of future disease, with implications for obesity and metabolic syndrome.
Elevated catecholamines may decrease innate immunity and provoke autoimmune responses while intensifying inflammation.

Physiological Effects of Hormones

Norepinephrine complements epinephrine, affecting blood flow and mental alertness.
Epinephrine prioritizes blood supply to the heart, brain, and muscles while improving oxygen delivery.
The parasympathetic system aims to counteract the sympathetic system, but is less effective during prolonged stress.

Personality and Coping with Stress

Individual stress responses are moderated by stressor nature, intensity, duration, and personal coping efficacy.
Personality traits can predict psychological and physical health outcomes based on stress appraisal.
Adaptive coping strategies (problem-focused) enhance resilience and mitigate negative health impacts, while maladaptive strategies (repression, avoidance) may exacerbate issues.

Aging and Stress

Aging presents a complex set of neurohormonal and immune changes known as stress age syndrome, which can be both adaptive and damaging.
Mature coping techniques can alleviate negative behaviors (e.g., smoking, excessive alcohol use) and influence existing chronic health conditions.

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Description

This quiz explores key concepts from Chapter 09 of Huether's 'Understanding Pathophysiology'. It delves into the definition of stress, its physiological and psychological implications, and historical perspectives on the stress response. Test your understanding of how stress interacts with the body and brain.