Physiology of Stress and Adaptation
Physiological stress triggers adaptive responses essential for survival but can also contribute to chronic disease when unregulated. This session explores the mechanisms through which the body perceives, processes, and responds to stressors whether physical, emotional, or environmental. Attendees will examine the roles of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, sympathetic nervous system, and inflammatory mediators. The impact of chronic stress on cardiovascular health, immune function, and metabolic balance will be explored, alongside topics such as allostatic load, resilience, and neuroendocrine feedback. The relevance of stress physiology to clinical care and mental health will be highlighted.