Initiation of the Stress Response: How the Body Recognizes Stress
The fight-or-flight response, also known as the stress response in the body, is a normal physiological reaction that happens when an individual is subjected to a perceived threat or stressor. An adaptive reaction prepares the body to meet or flee the threat. The stress response originates in the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that serves as the command center for the body’s stress response system.
The Role of the Brain in Stress: The Hypothalamus and Its Functions
When the hypothalamus recognizes a possible threat, it sends signals to the adrenal glands, which are found on top of the kidneys. These signals cause the production of stress chemicals into the circulation, principally cortisol and adrenaline. Cortisol, sometimes known as the primary stress hormone, prepares the body for extended stress. It raises blood sugar levels, inhibits the immune system, and improves the brain’s glucose usage, giving it an energy boost (Thau et al., 2019). Conversely, adrenaline increases heart rate blood pressure and breathing swiftly, preparing the body for instant action.
Chemical and Hormonal Reactions: What Is Released During Stress
Various physiological changes occur in the body during the stress reaction. The heart rate increases to prepare the muscles for physical exercise by pumping more oxygenated blood. To give more oxygen to the body, breathing becomes quicker and shallower. Blood arteries constrict in some places, such as the skin and digestive system, to route increased blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and brain. Stress also affects the digestive tract, momentarily delaying digestion and decreasing blood flow to the stomach and intestines (Stress: Causes, Symptoms, Effects, and Treatment, n.d.).
Effects of the Stress Response on the Body: Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences
Furthermore, it can cause the release of glucose into the circulation, supplying the body with additional energy. In potentially life-threatening situations, this reaction is critical for survival. Chronic or severe stress, on the other hand, can harm health. Prolonged stress hormone exposure can impair the immune system, raise the risk of cardiovascular disease, and lead to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. As a result, it is critical to successfully manage stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and getting help when necessary.
References
Stress: causes, symptoms, effects, and treatment – The Diamond Rehab Thailand. (n.d.). Web.
Thau, L., Gandhi, J., & Sharma, S. (2019). Physiology, Cortisol. National Library of Medicine; StatPearls Publishing. Web.