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Stress and Immune Function definitions

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  • Immune System
    A complex body network responsible for defending against bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens to maintain health.
  • Lymphocytes
    Specialized white blood cells essential for fighting infections, including several distinct types with unique roles.
  • White Blood Cell
    A cellular component of blood that plays a central role in protecting the body from infectious agents.
  • Pathogen
    Any microorganism, such as bacteria or viruses, capable of causing disease within the body.
  • HPA Axis
    A hormonal system activated by stress, influencing bodily functions through the release of specific hormones.
  • Cortisol
    A hormone released during stress that signals the body to suppress nonessential functions, including immune responses.
  • Chronic Stress
    A prolonged state of psychological or physiological strain lasting weeks, months, or even years.
  • Immune Suppression
    A reduction in the body's ability to defend against infections, often resulting from hormonal changes during stress.
  • Susceptibility
    An increased likelihood of developing illnesses, such as colds, especially when immune defenses are compromised.
  • Infection
    The invasion and multiplication of harmful microorganisms in the body, potentially leading to illness.
  • Relative Risk
    A measure comparing the probability of an event, like illness, between groups exposed to different conditions.
  • Nonessential Function
    Bodily processes deprioritized during stress to conserve energy for immediate survival needs.
  • Natural Killer Cell
    A type of lymphocyte involved in the rapid response to infected or abnormal cells within the body.
  • B Cell
    A lymphocyte subtype that contributes to immune defense by producing antibodies against pathogens.
  • T Cell
    A lymphocyte subtype that assists in directly attacking infected cells and coordinating immune responses.