Health Psychology Chapter 2 Vocab

Created by Mary Busch

Adrenal Glands
Small glands located on top of each of the kidneys.

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TermDefinition
Adrenal GlandsSmall glands located on top of each of the kidneys.
Angina Pectoris Occurs when the heart has insufficient supply of oxygen or inadequate removal of carbon dioxide and other waste products.
Atherosclerosis Caused by deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the arterial walls which form plaques that narrow arteries.
Autoimmunity Occurs when the body attacks the body's own tissue.
Blood Pressure The force that blood exerts against the blood vessel walls.
Cardiovascular SystemComprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood and acts as the transport system of the body.
CatecholaminesStimulation of the sympathetic nervous system prompts the secretion of two neurotransmitters, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Cell-Mediated Immunity Involves T lymphocytes. Slower response.
CerebellumCoordinates voluntary muscle movement, the maintenance of balance and equilibrium, and the maintenance of muscle tone and posture.
Cerebral CortexThe largest portion of the brain, involved in higher-order intelligence, memory, and personality.
Endocrine System Complements the nervous system in controlling bodily activities.
Humoral Immunity Is mediated by B lymphocytes. Fast acting response.
HypothalamusHelps regulate cardiac functioning, blood pressure, respiration, water balance, and appetites, including hunger and sexual desire.
Immunity The body's resistance to invading organisms.
Ischemia A condition characterized by lack of blood flow and oxygen to the heart muscle.
Kidney Dialysis Helps the body get rid of its waste.
LupusLeads to chronic inflammation, producing pain, heat, redness, and swelling, and can be life-threatening when it attacks the connective tissue of the body's internal organs.
Lymphatic System The drainage system of the body.
MedullaResponsible for the regulation of heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration.
Myocardial Infarction (MI)Heart attack, which results when a clot has developed in a coronary vessel and blocks the flow of blood to the heart.
Nervous System A complex network of interconnected nerve fibers.
Neurotransmitters Regulate nervous system functioning.
Nonspecific Immune Mechanisms Are a general set of responses to any kind of infection or disorder.
Parasympathetic Nervous System Controls the activities of organs under normal circumstances and acts antagonistically to the sympathetic nervous system.
Phagocytosis The process by which certain white blood cells ingest microbes.
Pituitary Gland Located at the base of the brain has two lobes.
Platelets They clump together to block small holes that develop in blood vessels.
Pons Serves as the link between the hindbrain and the midbrain and also helps control respiration.
Renal SystemConsists of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra.
Respiratory System Brings in oxygen through inspiration; it eliminates carbon dioxide through expiration.
Specific Immune MechanismsAre always acquired after birth, fight particular microorganisms and their toxins.
Sympathetic Nervous SystemPrepares the body to respond to emergencies, to strong emotions such as anger or fear, and to strenuous activity.
Thalamus Involved in the recognition of sensory stimuli and the relay of sensory impulses to the cerebral cortex.