Stress Hormones

Definition

Stress hormones are chemicals released by the body in response to stress, helping to manage the body's fight or flight response.

Scientific / Technical Definition

Stress hormones, primarily cortisol, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, are endocrine substances secreted by the adrenal glands and are crucial components of the body's physiological mechanisms to respond and adapt to stressful stimuli. They influence cardiovascular, metabolic, and immune functions.

Benefits

• Regulate essential body functions during stress.
• Help manage the body's fight or flight response.
• Maintain homeostasis during stress by influencing metabolism, immune response, and cardiovascular activity.

Examples

• Cortisol, produced in the adrenal cortex.
• Adrenaline, also known as epinephrine, released from the adrenal medulla.
• Norepinephrine, which plays a role in response to stress and is produced in both the adrenal medulla and the nervous system.

Additional Information

• Effects: Stress hormones increase heart rate, redirect blood to major muscle groups, and increase blood glucose levels, preparing the body for a quick response to perceived threats.

Related Terms

• Cortisol

References

• The Role of Cortisol in Stress Response
• Stress Hormones and the Immune System
• Understanding the Stress Response