Guided Lecture Notes
Chapter 7: Stress and Adaptation
Learning Objective 1. Define homeostasis.

Define homeostasis, and explain its importance to the body’s ability to maintain
optimal function (refer to PowerPoint Slide 2).
Learning Objective 2. Cite Cannon’s four features of homeostasis.

Discuss the importance of constancy in an open system such as the body.

Describe how the body uses negative feedback to regulate body systems.

Explain how cooperating mechanisms work together to maintain homeostasis.

Discuss the importance of organization in regard to homeostasis.
Learning Objective 3. Describe the components of a control system.

List the functions regulated by the body’s control system.

Describe neuroendocrine control systems.

List hormones involved in the neuroendocrine control system, and describe their
physiologic effects (refer to Table 7-1 and Fig. 7-1).
Learning Objective 4. Define allostasis.

Define allostasis, and explain how it differs from homeostasis (refer to
PowerPoint Slide 3).

Describe the cognitive activation theory of stress.
Learning Objective 5. State Selye’s definition of stress.

Discuss how Selye defined stress in the 1930s.

Define stressor and conditioning factors, according to Selye.
Learning Objective 6. Define and describe GAS, including the three stages according to
Selye.

Describe general adaptation syndrome (GAS) as a response to stress (refer to
PowerPoint Slide 4).

List the three stages of GAS, and explain what occurs during each stage.
Learning Objective 7. Describe the stress responses of the neuroendocrine and the
immune systems.

Identify hormones that are associated with the stress response, and describe their
effects (refer to PowerPoint Slides 6–7, 10, and 13–14).

Describe the parts of the brain involved in the neuroendocrine response to stress
(refer to Fig. 7-2).

Using examples, explain how the immune system reacts to stress (refer to
PowerPoint Slide 21).
Learning Objective 8. Explain the purpose of adaptation.

Define adaptation, and explain its importance in regard to the maintenance of
homeostasis (refer to PowerPoint Slides 5 and 18).
Learning Objective 9. List at least six factors that influence a person’s adaptive
capacity.

Using examples, discuss the factors that affect an individual’s ability to cope with
stress (refer to Fig. 7-3).
Learning Objective 10. Contrast anatomic and physiologic reserve.

Explain the purpose of a larger-than-necessary reserve.

Using examples, explain how body systems are able to increase their function in
order to adapt (physiologic reserve).

Discuss instances where the body does not require the use of both paired organs
or glands in order to survive and maintain homeostasis (anatomic reserve).
Learning Objective 11. Describe the acute stress response in regard to reactions and
causes (refer to PowerPoint Slide 26).

Describe the fight-or-flight response to acute stress (refer to PowerPoint Slides
11–12).

List the two main causes of acute stress.

Using examples, explain how the acute response to stress might be detrimental.
Learning Objective 12. Describe the physiologic and psychological effects of a chronic
stress response.

Discuss the possible results to body systems of chronic stress (refer to
PowerPoint Slide 27).

Using examples, discuss the physiologic and psychological effects of chronic
illness as a cause of stress.
Learning Objective 13. Describe the three types of symptoms that are characteristic of
post-traumatic stress disorder.

Define the terms PTSD, intrusion, avoidance, and hyperarousal.

Using examples, explain how these groups of symptoms affect individuals.

Describe neuroanatomic changes associated with PTSD (refer to PowerPoint
Slide 27).

Discuss risk factors for PTSD.

Discuss treatment options for patients suffering from PTSD.
Learning Objective 14. List and briefly describe five nonpharmacologic methods for
the treatment of stress.

Explain how relaxation, imagery, music therapy, massage therapy, and
biofeedback can be used to reduce stress (refer to PowerPoint Slide 29).