Stress and the Neuroendocrine Response - Coursework Example

Download file to see previous pages... For instance, traumatic events that happened to a person such as family abuse, illness or a relationship breakup. Chronic stress leads to other body complications such as stomach ulcers or heart diseases. This type of stress is treated via cognitive behavioral therapy and through medication (Buckingham, Gillie, & Cowell, 1997).
The hypothalamus in the brain is in responsible of the stress response. When a stress response is activated, this part sends signals to two other constituents namely the pituitary gland, and the adrenal medulla. This signal is in form of a hormone, the pituitary and adrenal glands that are both in the kidneys and the brain are responsible for receive the stress alert (Gunderson & Rahe, H. 1994).
A hormone is a signaling molecule that is generated by the glands found in the multicellular organisms that are conveyed by the circulatory system to isolated organs with the aim of regulating the behavior and physiology of an individual. The hypothalamus stimulates hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline that assist a problem to deal with any pressure or threat that they are facing; this is referred to as fight response. Adrenaline hormone enable the heart rate to increase, the blood pressure also increase and thus provides the body with extra energy. The person is able to run away from the threat. These hormones also enable the suppressing of bodily roles such as digestion that are not needed. When the hormone level fails, the body is able to adjust itself and the blood pressure return to the average rate.
The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) is a compound set of undeviating influences and response interactions in the middle of three endocrine glands namely the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the adrenal glands. Hypothalamic Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) system is responsible for regulating short term stress in ...Download file to see next pagesRead More