| stress response | The physiological changes associated with stress.
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| stress | The collective physiological and emotional responses to any stimulus that disturbs an individual's homeostasis.
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| autonomic nervous system | The branch of the peripheral nervous system that, largely without conscious thought, controls basic body processes; consists of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions.
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| parasympathetic division | A division of the autonomic system that moderates the excitatory effect of the sympathetic division, slowing metabolism and restoring energy supplies.
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| sympathetic division | A division of the autonomic nervous system that reacts to danger or other challenges by almost instantly accelerating body processes.
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| norepinephrine | A neurotransmitter released by the sympathetic nervous system onto target tissues to increase their function in the face of increased activity; when released in the brain, it causes arousal (increased attention, awareness, and alertness); also called noradrenaline.
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| endocrine system | The system of glands, tissues, and cells that secrete hormones into the bloodstream to influence metabolism and other body processes.
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| hormone | A chemical messenger produced in the body and transported by the bloodstream to target cells or organs for specific regulation of their activities.
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| hypothalamus | A part of the brain that activates, controls, and integrates the autonomic mechanisms, endocrine activities, and many body functions.
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| pituitary gland | The "master gland," closely linked with the hypothalamus, that controls other endocrine glands and secretes hormones that regulate growth, maturation, and reproduction.
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| adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) | A hormone, formed in the pituitary gland, that stimulates the outer layer of the adrenal gland to secrete its hormones.
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| adrenal glands | Two glands, one lying atop each kidney, whose outer layer (cortex) produces steroid hormones such as cortisol and whose inner core (medulla) produces the hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.
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| cortisol | A steroid hormone secreted by the cortex (outer layer) of the adrenal gland; also called hydrocortisone.
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| epinephrine | A hormone secreted by the medulla (inner core) of the adrenal gland that affects the functioning of organs involved in responding to a stressor; also called adrenaline.
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| endorphins | Brain secretions that have pain-inhibiting effects.
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| fight-or-flight reaction | A defense reaction that prepares an individual for conflict or escape by triggering hormonal, cardiovascular, metabolic, and other changes.
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| homeostasis | A state of stability and consistency in an individual's physiological functioning.
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| somatic nervous system | The branch of the peripheral nervous system that governs motor functions and sensory information; largely under our conscious control.
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| personality | The sum of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional tendencies.
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| general adaptation syndrome (GAS) | A pattern of stress responses consisting of three stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion.
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| eustress | Stress resulting from a pleasant stressor.
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| distress | Stress resulting from an unpleasant stressor.
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| psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) | The study of the interactions among the nervous system, the endocrine system, and the immune system.
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| atherosclerosis | The buildup of hard yellow plaques of fatty material in the lining of arteries that have become damaged from advancing age or high blood pressure; a leading cause of heart disease and stroke.
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| burnout | A state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
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| relaxation response | A physiological state characterized by a feeling of warmth and quiet mental alertness.
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| visualization | A technique for promoting relaxation or improving performance that involves creating or re-creating vivid mental pictures of a place or an experience; also called imagery.
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| meditation | A technique for quieting the mind by focusing on a particular word, object (such as a candle flame), or process (such as breathing).
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