The Body's Response to Stress

The Body's Response to Stress

Sympathomedullary Pathway:1) Activated by an acute stressor2) Hypothalamus then activates the sympathetic branch3) Sympathetic branch then stimulates the adrenal medulla4) Adrenal medulla releases adrenaline and noradrenaline5) This increases heart rate, blood pressure and sweat levelsFor Example: A dog attacking you would result in this reaction.

Pituitary-adrenal system:1) Activated by chronic stress2) Hypothalamus then activates the pituitary gland3) Pituitary gland releases ACTH4) ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex5) Adrenal cortex releases corticosteroids into the blood stream6) This supresses the immune system and increases the conversion of fat to energyFor Examples: Death of a loved one causing chronic stress