W3 Chapter 5.3 Stress and Immune System Functioning Flashcards
Why does stress slow the healing of wounds?
Because stress is linked to suppression of the immune system
What are cytokines?
Cytokines are small protein molecules that serve as chemical messengers allowing immune cells to communicate with each other
What is the function of proinflammatory cytokines?
The help deal with challenges to our immune system by augmenting the immune response
What is the function of anti-inflammatory cytokines?
They decrease or dampen the immune response
What happens to the production of proinflammatory cytokines under stressful conditions
Their production is disrupted
How are levels of proinflammatory cytokines affected by long term stress?
Levels are increased
Why are proinflammatory cytokine levels increases during long term stress
Because prolonged stress interferes with the body’s ability to turn off cytokine production
What is correlational research?
Research where the researcher observes or assesses the characteristics of different groups without manipulating the conditions
What are telomeres?
The protective ends of chromosomes
What effect does stress have on telomeres?
It shortens them
How does stress shorten telomere length?
Cortisol (stress hormone) reduces the activity of the enzyme telomerase which is responsible for maintaining telomere length
