Stress (biology)
Stress (biology)
Stress (pronunciation: /strɛs/) in biology refers to the physical, mental, or emotional factor that causes bodily or mental tension.
Etymology
The term "stress" was borrowed from the field of physics by one of the pioneers of stress research Hans Selye. In physics, stress describes the force that produces strain on a physical body. Selye used the term to describe an organism's response to a taxing demand.
Definition
In biological terms, stress is the body's method of reacting to a challenge or a threat. According to the sympathetic nervous system, stress can be a physical, mental, or emotional strain or tension. It can come from any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, or anxious.
Types of Stress
There are two main types of stress in biology: acute stress and chronic stress. Acute stress is a short-term stress that goes away quickly. You feel it when you slam on the brakes, have a fight with your partner, or ski down a steep slope. Chronic stress is stress that lasts for a longer period of time. You may have chronic stress if you have money problems, an unhappy marriage, or trouble at work.
Effects of Stress
Stress can affect all aspects of life, including emotions, behaviors, thinking ability, and physical health. No part of the body is immune. But, because people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary. Symptoms can be vague and may be similar to those caused by medical conditions. So it is important to discuss them with your doctor. You may experience any of the following symptoms of stress: emotional discomfort, muscular problems, stomach problems, and a lot of energy burn.
Related Terms
- Adrenaline: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that increases rates of blood circulation, breathing, and carbohydrate metabolism and prepares muscles for exertion.
- Cortisol: A steroid hormone, in the glucocorticoid class of hormones, produced by the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex in the adrenal gland. It is released in response to stress and low blood-glucose concentration.
- Homeostasis: The state of steady internal, physical, and chemical conditions maintained by living systems.
- Hypothalamus: A small region of the brain located at the base of the brain, near the pituitary gland, which plays a crucial role in many important functions, including releasing hormones and regulating body temperature.
- Pituitary gland: The major endocrine gland, a pea-sized body attached to the base of the brain that is responsible for controlling growth and development and the functioning of the other endocrine glands.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Stress (biology)
- Wikipedia's article - Stress (biology)
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