HLTC22H3 Chapter 10: Chapter 10 Book Notes
Document Summary
Stress is a major pathway through which psychosocial factors affect physiology and the aging process. Through the neuroendocrine system, psychosocial stress can have adverse effects on the cardiovascular and immune systems. Older adults may be vulnerable to the effects of physical stress. Evidence that stress can toughen or strengthen us through heat shock proteins and social ties. Genetic based mechanisms that protect against stress at the cellular level: dna repair mechanisms, antioxidants, and heat shock proteins. Cannon (1915) was the first physiologist to systematically describe the physiological effects of stress. He noted that cats exposed to barking dogs would respond with a rush of epinephrine or adrenaline into their systems. Health, illness, and optimal aging- biological and psychological perspectives: pituitary releases adrenocorticotropin hormone (acth) into blood stream, acth stimulates the cortex of adrenal glands to release corticosteroids. Cannon argued that this fight/flight reaction, although adaptive in the short run, could have very harmful effects if prolonged.
