Chapter 2: Homeostasis and Stressors

Question 1

What is allostasis?

Answer 1

Overall process of adaptive change necessary to maintain survival and well-being

Question 1

What is homeostasis?

Answer 1

A state of equilibrium; remaining stable while staying the same

Bodily changes formerly seen as detrimental is the adaptive/compensatory effect of homeostasis

Question 2

What is the concept of stress?

Answer 2

Real or perceived threat to homeostasis

Question 3

Describe Selye’s General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 3

How we cope with stress

Three stages:
1. Alarm
2. Resistance/adaptation
3. Exhaustion

Question 4

Describe the HPA axis in terms of General Adaptation Syndrome

Answer 4

Alarm stage; fight-or-flight

Stressor -> hypothalamus -> release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) -> activates the sympathetic nervous system -> stimulates adrenal medulla -> release of catecholamines and corticosteroids

Sequence of events in HPA axis

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

Question 5

What is the resistance stage of GAS?

Answer 5

Allostatic state; activity of the nervous and endocrine systems to return the body to homeostasis

Question 6

What is the exhaustion state in GAS?

Answer 6

Allostatic overload; the point where the body can no longer return to homeostasis

Question 7

What are catecholamines?

Answer 7

Norepinephrine and epinephrine

Group of hormones working with fight-or-flight response

Created in the medulla of the adrenal gland during times of acute stress

Question 8

What are adrenocorticol steroids?

Answer 8

Cortisol and aldosterone

Aids in the maintenance of homeostasis

Question 9

Allostasis is best defined as:

1. A state of equilibrium
2. A steady state
3. The overall process of adaptive change necessary to maintain survival and well-being
4. The process by which the body heals following a disease

Answer 9

The overall process of adaptive change necessary to maintain survival and well-being