Question

Changes in the relative level of physical stress cause a predictable response in all biological tissues.

a) True
b) False

Answer 1

The statement about stress causing a predictable response in all biological tissues is false. Stress responses can vary among organisms and tissues, and persistent chronic stress can lead to health complications due to maladaptive physiological changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that changes in the relative level of physical stress cause a predictable response in all biological tissues is false. While it is true that biological systems respond to stress, these responses can vary widely among different tissues and organisms. Hans Selye's general adaptation syndrome outlines a model of stress involving an initial shock, adaptation, and eventual depletion of resources, but it primarily focuses on physical stress responses. This model does not take into account the psychological factors such as individual perceptions and interpretations of stressors.

Selye's model has significantly contributed to understanding how prolonged or repeated stress can lead to disorders such as hypertension and coronary artery disease due to the cumulative wear and tear on the body. However, the stress response is part of a complex physiological system that can become maladaptive in the face of chronic stress, leading to dysregulation and potential health issues.

In summary, while stress responses can be prompted by physical stress, the predictability and uniformity of these responses across all biological tissues are not guaranteed due to the complexity and variability of biological systems.

Answer 2

The statement regarding physical stress affecting all biological tissues predictably is true. Stress triggers a general adaptation syndrome that, if chronic, can disrupt dynamic homeostasis and lead to long-term health problems. The correct multiple-choice option is True.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that changes in the relative level of physical stress cause a predictable response in all biological tissues is true. Every biological tissue in the body can experience a stress response, which typically follows a pattern described by Selye's general adaptation syndrome, consisting of an initial shock phase, a stage of resistance or adaptation, and finally a stage of exhaustion if the stress continues unabated.

Physiological stress responses are beneficial and adaptive when they are short-term, such as when they prepare us to face immediate threats (like encountering a bear). However, when these stress responses become chronic stress, they can lead to detrimental effects on the body, contributing to various health issues like hypertension and coronary artery disease. This is due to the cumulative wear and tear on the body caused by consistent or extremely high levels of stress.

Furthermore, the concept of dynamic homeostasis relates to how growth and stability in a biological system are affected by changes in its environment, which includes the system's response to stressors. Therefore, persistent changes in physical stress levels can disrupt homeostasis and influence both the growth and functioning of biological tissues.

The correct multiple-choice option is True.