Asked by Rodrigo Castro on May 25, 2024

verifed

Verified

Which of the following statements best encapsulates the relationship between stress and physical illness according to psychoneuroimmunologists?

A) Stress compromises the body's immune system, leaving a person vulnerable to illness.
B) Stress increases the production of natural killer cells, which causes cell death and leads to illness.
C) Stress causes high blood pressure, heart disease, and cancer.
D) Stress has no direct relationship to physical illness, though physicians tell us that these things are related so that we will be more willing to take unnecessary medications.

Psychoneuroimmunologists

Scientists who study the interactions between the nervous system, psychology, and the immune system, particularly how stress and behavior impact health.

Immune System

A complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by foreign invaders, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

  • Recognize the relationship between stress and vulnerability to illnesses.
verifed

Verified Answer

CC
cristal cortezMay 27, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Psychoneuroimmunologists have found that stress can weaken the immune system, making a person more susceptible to illness. High levels of stress hormones such as cortisol can decrease the production of white blood cells and make it harder for the body to fight off infections. Additionally, chronic stress can lead to inflammation, which is linked to a number of health problems including heart disease, diabetes, and some forms of cancer.