stress psychophysiology
Reticular activating system (RAS)
A network of nerves that connects the mind and the body
Endocrine system
Comprised of hormones that regulate physiological functions
Autonomic nervous system
Controls such body processes as hormone balance, temperature, and width of blood vessels
Epinephrine
A catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla
Norepinephrine
A catecholamine secreted by the adrenal medulla
Oxytocin
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland
Vasopressin (ADH)
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Activates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticoid hormones.
Thyroid gland
An endocrine gland that secretes the hormone thyroxin
Limbic system
Produces emotions; the "seat of emotions"
Glucocorticoids
Regulate metabolism of glucose
Mineralocorticoids
Regulate the balance between sodium and potassium
Corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)
Released by the hypothalamus and results in the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone
Thyrotropic hormone releasing factor (TRF)
Released by the hypothalamus and stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete thyrotropic hormone
Thyrotropic hormone (TTH)
Stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxin
Gastrointestinal (GI) system
The body system responsible for digestion
Gray matter
The cerebral cortex
Esophagus
The food pipe
Adrenal medulla
The inner portion of the adrenal gland that secretes catecholamines
Subcortex
The lower part of the brain responsible for various physiological processes necessary to stay alive
Adrenal cortex
The part of the adrenal gland that secretes corticoids
Parasympathetic nervous system
The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for conserving energy
Sympathetic nervous system
The part of the autonomic nervous system responsible for expending energy
Hippocampus
The part of the brain that "sounds the alarm" that stress is present
Hypothalamus
The part of the diencephalon that activates the autonomic nervous system
Thalamus
The part of the diencephalon that relays sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex
Cerebellum
The part of the subcortex responsible for coordination
Pons
The part of the subcortex responsible for regulating sleep
Diencephalon
The part of the subcortex responsible for the regulation of the emotions
Medulla oblongata
The part of the subcortex responsible for the regulation of the heartbeat and breathing
Cortisol
The primary glucocorticoid secreted from the adrenal cortex that is responsible for an increase in blood glucose
Aldosterone
The primary mineralocorticoid secreted from the adrenal cortex that is responsible for an increase in blood pressure
Gluconeogenesis
The production of glucose from amino acids by the liver
Cerebral cortex
The upper part of the brain responsible for thinking functions
Bracing
Unnecessary muscle tension