Stress Response Overview
How does the body respond to stress? Include both immediate physical responses and long-term affects of stress.
The body responds to stress through a series of immediate physical responses and long-term effects, which involve multiple systems and processes. Here’s an overview:
Immediate Physical Responses to Stress
1. Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS):
- Fight-or-Flight Response: When faced with a stressor, the body activates the SNS, leading to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
- Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: These hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure to supply more oxygen and nutrients to muscles.
- Rapid Breathing: Breathing rate increases to take in more oxygen.
- Dilated Pupils: Pupils dilate to improve vision.
- Decreased Digestive Activity: Digestion slows down to conserve energy for dealing with the stressor.
- Increased Muscle Tension: Muscles become tense and ready for action.
2. Activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis:
- Cortisol Release: The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
- Energy Mobilization: Cortisol increases glucose levels in the bloodstream, providing immediate energy for the body to handle the stressor…
The body responds to stress through a series of immediate physical responses and long-term effects, which involve multiple systems and processes. Here’s an overview:
Immediate Physical Responses to Stress
1. Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS):
- Fight-or-Flight Response: When faced with a stressor, the body activates the SNS, leading to the release of adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine).
- Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: These hormones increase heart rate and blood pressure to supply more oxygen and nutrients to muscles.(Stress Response Overview)
- Rapid Breathing: Breathing rate increases to take in more oxygen.
- Dilated Pupils: Pupils dilate to improve vision.
- Decreased Digestive Activity: Digestion slows down to conserve energy for dealing with the stressor.
- Increased Muscle Tension: Muscles become tense and ready for action.
2. Activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) Axis:
- Cortisol Release: The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
- Energy Mobilization: Cortisol increases glucose levels in the bloodstream, providing immediate energy for the body to handle the stressor…
