Hormonal regulation of responses to stress

1. Hormonal regulation of responses to stress

2. Adrenal Glands • “Adrenal” = At the kidneys. • The adrenal gland has an inner core called the adrenal medulla which is surrounded by the adrenal cortex. • The adrenal medulla produces two hormones: epinephrine and norepinephrine. • Epinephrine is also known as adrenaline. • Norepinephrine is also known as noradrenaline. • Both of these hormones are released by the adrenal medulla in times of stress.

3. Short Term Stress Response • Both norepinephrine and epinephrine are released during times of stress. They help initiate the fight or flight response. (Hypothalamus  Spine  Adrenals) • They increase blood sugar levels by converting glycogen into glucose. • They increase heart rate and breathing rate for faster delivery of oxygen and glucose to the cells. • This results in faster energy production and higher metabolic rate within the cell. • Blood vessels dilate (widen) to deliver more blood. • Pupils dilate to allow more light into eye to gather as much information from surroundings as possible.

4. Long Term Stress Response • “Long term stress” means the threat is not incredibly urgent or threatening – though it is constant and ever present. • Hypothalamus  Spine  Adrenal • Adrenals secrete glucocorticoids & mineralocorticoids – they help the body meet the demands of stress. • Glucocorticoids, including cortisol, promote conversion of fat and protein into glucose – blood sugar level goes up overall. • Mineralocorticoids increase water retention by kidneys and this results in higher blood pressure and blood volume – greater delivery of blood to cells.

5. Long Term Stress Response

6. Too juiced!

7. FIN