There are many different functions, systems, and parts of the brain to look at when studying the biological components of stress.
HPA (Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal) Response
During the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal response, the alarmed hypothalamus activates the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland then releases a hormone called ACTH. The ACTH then travels to the adrenal glands. Once reached, the adrenal glands produce cortisol. This is used to help the body maintain level amounts of blood sugar. With proper amounts of blood sugar, a person is better able to endure prolonged levels of stress. |
SAM (Sympathetic-Adrenal-Medulla) Response
During the sympathetic-adrenal-medulla response, the adrenal medulla releases adrenaline into the body. Adrenaline has a lot of effects/uses:
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Glucocorticoids
Glucocorticoids are hormones that have many effects in the body, both positive and negative, when stress occurs.
Glucocorticoids are hormones that have many effects in the body, both positive and negative, when stress occurs.
Positive Effects
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Negative Effects
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Amygdala and Hippocampus
Stress also has a huge effect on two very important parts of the brain, the amygdala and hippocampus. Stress causes the release of chemicals like dopamine which causes hypersensitivity to the amygdala. If this hypersensitivity occurs, one's emotions and responses to stress will be completely out of balance. In dealing with the hippocampus, stress has been known to depress and stop the production of neurons. These neurons are crucial in letting the hippocampus develop to its fullest extent. It also causes the withering of dendrites in the hippocampus.
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Stress also has a huge effect on two very important parts of the brain, the amygdala and hippocampus. Stress causes the release of chemicals like dopamine which causes hypersensitivity to the amygdala. If this hypersensitivity occurs, one's emotions and responses to stress will be completely out of balance. In dealing with the hippocampus, stress has been known to depress and stop the production of neurons. These neurons are crucial in letting the hippocampus develop to its fullest extent. It also causes the withering of dendrites in the hippocampus.
For more information, you may want to visit the following outside links.....