A
Acute stress
Short-term activation of the stress response that can be helpful.
Short-term activation of the stress response that can be helpful.
Anterior Pituitary
Region of the brain called the “master gland” necessary for the release of hormones
Region of the brain called the “master gland” necessary for the release of hormones
B
Basal
Baseline or normal every-day levels (e.g., basal cortisol levels).
Baseline or normal every-day levels (e.g., basal cortisol levels).
Blood volume
The total amount of blood circulating in our body.
The total amount of blood circulating in our body.
C
Cardiovascular
Refers to functions of the heart, arteries and veins.
Refers to functions of the heart, arteries and veins.
Cascade
Series of biological events
Series of biological events
Chronic stress
Long-term activation of repeated stress responses that can be harmful.
Long-term activation of repeated stress responses that can be harmful.
Circadian rhythm
Daily pattern of release and regulation of biological substances.
Daily pattern of release and regulation of biological substances.
Cortisol
One of the primary mammalian stress hormones
One of the primary mammalian stress hormones
D
Diuretics
Substances that reduce the amount of water in our body.
Substances that reduce the amount of water in our body.
H
Habituation
Process in which we become used to things or situations.
Process in which we become used to things or situations.
Homeostasis
Normal biological set points that help to regulate bodily functions.
Normal biological set points that help to regulate bodily functions.
Hippocampus
Region of the brain involved in learning and memory
Region of the brain involved in learning and memory
Hypothalamus
Region of the brain involved in the regulation of many body functions and the release of hormones.
Region of the brain involved in the regulation of many body functions and the release of hormones.
HPA-axis
Our stress response system consisting of the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands that produce stress hormones.
Our stress response system consisting of the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands that produce stress hormones.
I
Insulin
Hormone that helps lowers blood sugar levels and store energy for future use.
Hormone that helps lowers blood sugar levels and store energy for future use.
M
Mobilize energy
The act of getting fuel for muscles and other biological functions
The act of getting fuel for muscles and other biological functions
N
Negative feedback
Process of shutting bodily systems off once a set level is achieved.
Process of shutting bodily systems off once a set level is achieved.
R
Receptors
Parts of cells that receive chemical messages, including hormonal messages.
Parts of cells that receive chemical messages, including hormonal messages.
Resilience
Capacity to confront with success a stressful situation and to overcome and adapt despite difficult circumstances.
Capacity to confront with success a stressful situation and to overcome and adapt despite difficult circumstances.
S
Stress hormones
Adrenaline, noradrenalin and cortisol.
Adrenaline, noradrenalin and cortisol.
Synthesis
The process of creating biological substances through the combination of different molecules.
The process of creating biological substances through the combination of different molecules.
