Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Deterioration refers to the decline or worsening of something over time. In the context of chronic stress and the immune system, it means a decrease in the functioning or effectiveness of the immune system due to prolonged stress.
Adaptation is how our bodies adjust and respond to different situations, including stressors. In relation to the immune system, adaptation refers to its ability to adapt and cope with chronic stress without deteriorating.
Resilience is the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties or hardships. When we talk about the immune system's resilience, it means its ability to bounce back and recover from stressful situations without experiencing significant deterioration.
Allostatic Load: Allostatic load refers to the wear and tear on our bodies caused by repeated exposure to stress over time. It encompasses various physiological changes that may occur due to chronic stress but does not necessarily imply immediate deterioration in the immune system.