12.3 Stress and Health

Question 1

Stress

Answer 1

The nonspecific response of the body to any demand made upon it; also defined as events that are interpreted as threatening

Question 2

Behavioral medicine

Answer 2

Field that includes the effects of diet, smoking, exercise, stressful experiences, and other behaviors on health

Question 3

General adaptation syndrome

Answer 3

A generalized response to stress

Question 5

HPA axis

Answer 5

The hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal cortex

Question 6

Cortisol

Answer 6

Hormone secreted by the adrenal cornex that elevates blood sugar and enhances

Question 7

Immune system

Answer 7

Structures that protect the body against viruses, bacteria, and other intruders

Question 8

Leukocytes

Answer 8

White blood cells

Question 12

Psychoneuroimmunology

Answer 12

Study of the ways in which experiences, especially stressful ones, alter the immune system and how the immune system influences the central nervous system

Question 13

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Answer 13

Chemical released from the anterior pituitary gland, which enhances metabolic activity and elevates blood levels of sugar

Question 14

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Answer 14

A condition resulting from a servere traumatic experience, leading to a long-lasting state of frequent distressing recollections (flashbacks) and nightmares about the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of it, and exaggerated arousal in response to noises and other stimuli

Question 17

Cytokines

Answer 17

Small proteins that combat infections and communicate with the brain to elicit appropriate behaviors

Question 18

Antibodies

Answer 18

Y-shaped proteins that attach to particular kinds of antigens

Question 19

Antigens

Answer 19

Surface proteins on a cell that identify the cell as your own