MODULE 1: STRESS AND ADAPTATION “A state manifested by a specific syndrome of the body, developed in a response to any stimuli that made an intense systemic demand on it” (Selye, 1956) “A person experiences stress when a demand exceeds a person’s coping abilities, resulting in reactions such as disturbances of cognition, emotion, and behaviour that can adversely affect well-being” (McCance & Huether 2006) Review of the Adrenal Gland:  There are three main layers of the adrenal gland 1. Capsule: Tough fiberous capsule enclosed in fat for protection 2. Adrenal cortex (80-90% of gland): has three zones and secretes three types of steroid hormones (synthesized from acetate & cholesterol): glucocorticoids, mineralcorticoids and adrenal androgens. 3. Adrenal medulla (10-20% of gland): contains nervous tissue which is part of the sympathetic nervous system and secretes Epi and NE Adrenal Cortex  There are three layers of the adrenal 1. Zona glomerulosa: - Outer most layer of the adrenal cortex - Produces primarily aldosterone (95% of minero-corticoid produced is in this form) 2. Zona fasciculate - Middle layer of the adrenal cortex - Produces primarily cortisol (95% of glucocorticoids), cortisone and corticosterone 3. Zona reticularis: - Inner most layer - Adrenal androgens (i.e. gonadocorticoids) are made here