Explain how the body responds to stress

What will be an ideal response?


ANSWER: The body responds to stress with a rapid-fire sequence of physical changes known as fight or flight. This stimulation originates in the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain. The hypothalamus activates the sympathetic nervous system, and the pituitary activates the release of catecholamines (hormones) from the adrenal glands. These hormonal changes increase heart rate, blood pressure, blood flow to active muscles and the brain, glucose levels, oxygen consumption, and strength—all necessary for the body to fight or flee. In cases of both fight and flight, the body relaxes and stress dissipates. If the person is unable to take action, however, the muscles tense and tighten instead.

Health & Biomechanics

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