Chapter 4 – Physiological knowledge for health psychology

The brain and spinal cord

A self-regulating system that regulates internal organs and glands and is involved in the stress response

Largest part of the brain, which has an outer layer called the cerebral cortex , responsible for most higher brain functions. It has two hemispheres, each having four lobes.

Connects the two hemispheres of the brain

Part of the brain associated with balance, coordination and fine motor movements.

Contains the hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus that are involved in emotion, motivation, learning and memory.

Found within the limbic system, it processes information related to fear, stress and emotion.

It maintains homeostasis, regulates hunger, thirst, controls the sleep-wake cycle sexual behaviour and is plays a major role in the stress response

The body’s immediate reaction to stress, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and involves the adrenal medulla to secrete adrenaline and nor-adrenaline during the fight or flight response.

A network of glands that produce hormones. The pituitary and adrenal glands are involved in the tress response and the pancreas in diabetes.

The slower stress pathway that involves the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the adrenal cortex which secretes cortisol to help manage longer terms stress.

The heart, arteries and veins that transport oxygen and nutrients around the body.

The pressure of blood on the walls of arteries.

The build up of fatty deposits (plaques)on the walls of arteries that reduces the internal; diameter of the artery, restricting blood flow and contributed to cardiovascular disease.

An aging process whereby the arteries become less flexible.

Occurs when the blood supply to a part of the heart muscle has been blocked.

Chest pain cause by reduced blood supply to the heart muscle.

the blood supply within the brain in compromised by a blockage due to a clot or less commonly there is haemorrhage. Both results in death of brain cells and cause some type of loss of function depending where within the brain that the stroke occurs.

A temporary blockage to the blood supply in the brain.

The nose, mouth and throat.

The trachea, bronchi, alveoli and lungs.

A progressive lungs disease that causes breathing difficulty, mucus production, breathlessness and fatigue.

Red blood cells that carry oxygen.

White blood cells that are part of the immune system

The body’s first line of defence against pathogens, includes the skin, lymphatic system, mucosal membranes in the mouth nose, airways, gastro-intestinal tract, reproductive system and specific leukocytes.

Creates immunity after exposure to specific pathogens

Fast acting cells that surround and ingest pathogens.

Engulf pathogens and through phagocytosis and signal other immune responses.

cells that destroy virus infected cells and cancerous cells through the release of chemicals.

Recognise and attack specific pathogens

Help to coordinate the immune response and send messages to other immune cells by indicating the location of pathogens.

The original site where the cancer first developed.

Cancer that has spread from the primary site to other part of the body

The pancreas does not produce insulin, thought to be due to the immune system attacking cells within the pancreas. An individual will be dependent on insulin to metabolise glucose.

The body become resistant to the effects of insulin; this type of diabetes is thought to be related to lifestyle factors such as obesity.

Excess accumulations of fat that is a risk to health.

A ratio of weight to height that can be used to classify people as being underweight, normal weight, overweight and various classes of obesity.

The waist measurement is divided by the hip measurement and provides a crude approximation of fat distribution.

The front, middle part of the hypothalamus, implicated in eating behaviours.

Outside part of hypothalamus linked with satiety

Eating for pleasure rather than because of feelings of hunger.

An environment that encourages eating of unhealthy foods and sedentary behaviour.