Acute stress: 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.
Basal: baseline or normal every-day levels (e.g., basal cortisol levels).
Blood volume: the total amount of blood circulating in our body.
Cardiovascular: refers to functions of the heart, arteries and veins.
Cascade: series of biological events
Chronic stress: long-term activation of repeated stress responses that can be harmful.
Circadian rhythm: daily pattern of release and regulation of biological substances.
Cortisol: one of the primary mammalian stress hormones
Diuretics: substances that reduce the amount of water in our body.
Habituation: process in which we become used to things or situations.
Homeostasis: normal biological set points that help to regulate bodily functions.
Hippocampus: 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.
HPA-axis: our stress response system consisting of the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands that produce stress hormones.
Insulin: hormone that helps lowers blood sugar levels and store energy for future use.
Mobilize energy: the act of getting fuel for muscles and other biological functions
Negative feedback: process of shutting bodily systems off once a set level is achieved.
Receptors: 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.
Stress hormones: adrenaline, noradrenalin and cortisol
Synthesis: the process of creating biological substances through the combination of different molecules.