HCC Psychoneuroimmunology Basics 2

Question 1

Which neurotransmitter is primarily associated with the 'rest and digest' state and plays a role in calming immune activation?

Accepted Answer

Acetylcholine

Answer

Acetylcholine, released by the parasympathetic nervous system, activates the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway to reduce immune activation.

Question 2

In PNI research, what is the term for immune cells that have receptors for neuropeptides and can respond to signals from the nervous system?

Accepted Answer

Immunocytes

Answer

Immunocytes (immune cells such as T cells, B cells, and NK cells) express receptors for neuropeptides, allowing direct nervous-system-to-immune signaling.

Question 3

Which brain structure is most directly responsible for detecting psychosocial threats and initiating the HPA stress response?

Accepted Answer

Amygdala

Answer

The amygdala evaluates emotional and social threat signals and triggers CRH release to activate the HPA axis.

Question 4

Secretory IgA (sIgA), found in saliva and mucous membranes, tends to decrease under which condition relevant to holistic coaching?

Accepted Answer

Chronic psychosocial stress

Answer

Chronic psychosocial stress suppresses sIgA production, reducing mucosal immunity and increasing susceptibility to respiratory infections.

Question 5

What is 'allostatic load' in the context of PNI?

Accepted Answer

The cumulative wear and tear on the body from chronic stress responses

Answer

Allostatic load refers to the cumulative physiological cost of repeated or chronic stress adaptations, contributing to disease risk.

(HCC) Holistic Coaching Certification Practice Test

(HCC) Holistic Coaching Certification Practice Test

HCC Psychoneuroimmunology Basics 2