Stress has the ability to cause the immune system to: (Points: 5)
be under stimulated.
attack rather than support the body.
repair itself.
increase its resources.
Attack
The answer to this question is: "attack rather than support the body."
When dealing with multiple-choice questions like this, it's essential to read and understand each option carefully to identify the correct answer. In this case, we need to consider how stress affects the immune system.
To understand the link between stress and the immune system, we can break it down into two possible scenarios: under stimulation and overstimulation.
If stress were to cause under stimulation of the immune system, it would mean that stress reduces the immune response, making it weaker or less active. However, stress is known to have the opposite effect on the immune system.
On the other hand, if stress were to cause the immune system to increase its resources, it would mean that stress boosts the immune response, making it stronger. Again, this is not typically the case with stress.
When stress impacts the immune system, it tends to have a negative effect. Stress hormones, such as cortisol, can suppress or weaken the immune system. This suppression can result in a decreased ability to fight off pathogens and increased susceptibility to illness.
The option "repair itself" is not accurate because stress hinders the healing process and can delay the body's ability to repair itself, including the immune system.
Therefore, the correct option is "attack rather than support the body." Stress can lead to the immune system becoming overactive and attacking healthy cells and tissues, which can result in various immune-related disorders and conditions.