Biology Psychology - key terms Flashcards
Fight or flight
An animal is energised to either fight or run away, general state of energised readiness
Hormones
Any substance produced by gland or organ of body and circulated in the blood, only affecting specific target cells
Neurotransmitter
Substance released from end of neuron into synapse, causing adjacent neuron to be excited or inhibited
Pituitary-adrenal system
A stress response system involving hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal cortex, helps body deal with chronic stressors
Stress
Subjective experience of lack of fit between person and environment (i.e perceived demands of situation greater than perceived ability to cope
Sympathomedullary pathway
Influence of SNS and adrenal medulla prepares body for fight or flight when faced with acute stressor
Immune system
System of cells within body that is concerned with fighting against intruders e.g viruses and bacteria. WBCs identify and eliminate antigens
Cardiovascular disorder
Disorder of the heart and circulatory system
Depression
Mental disorder characterised by feelings of sadness, sense of worthlessness
Life changes
Event in person’s life that require a significant adjustment in various aspects of a person’s life
Daily hassles
Irritating, frustrating, distressing demands that to some degree characterise transactions with the environment
Daily uplifts
Minor positive experiences of everyday life e.g compliment
Workplace stressors
Aspects of our working environment (e.g work overload or impending deadlines) that we experience as stressful, and which cause a stress related reaction in our body
Type A behaviour
Characterised by constant time pressure, competitiveness in work and social situation, and anger, i.e. easily frustrated by other people
Type B behaviour
Characterised by easygoing, relaxed and patient approach to life
