The body's response to stress

A short video I've found which outlines the basics of the body's response to stress

The body's response to chronic stress

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

The body's response to acute stress

Acute stress is stress caused by a sudden or short-term stressor. The body responds to this when the SNS releases adrenaline into the bloodstream. Adrenaline causes several changes to the body such as:

- Dilated pupils: Allows more light into the eye to aid vision

- Increased heart rate: Increased blood flow to skeletal muscles 

- Bronchial tubes dilate: Increased oxygen intake

- Glycogen stored in liver converted into glucose: Provides more energy

these physical changes would have been a survival advantage when a mammal faced immediate danger.

Here is a basic summary of what steps the body takes in order to produce adrenaline and enable these bodily responses to take place:

ANS: Autonomic Nervous System
SNS: Sympathetic Nervous System (Prepares the body for the 'fight or flight' response)
PNS: Parasympathetic Nervous System (Stimulates the 'rest and digest' response)