Chronic stress is stress caused by a ongoing or long-term stressor. The body responds to this when the Hypothalamus releases corticotrophin-releasing factor into the bloodstream. The pituitary gland receives the CRF and releases adrenocorticotrophic hormone into the bloodstream also. ACTH is then recieved by the adrenal cortex which releases cortisol. Cortisol causes several changes to the body such as:
- A burst of energy: used to replace the body's initial burst of energy to the stressor
these physical changes would have been a survival advantage when a mammal faced immediate danger.
other bodily changes would be:
- Lowered immune response: a disadvantage of cortisol
- High blood pressure: a disadvantage of cortisol
Here is a basic summary of what steps the body takes in order to produce adrenaline and enable these bodily responses to take place:
CRF: Corticotrophin-releasing factor
ACTH: Adrenocorticotrophic hormone
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