Understanding the Stress Response

The very many systems of the body are controlled and maintained at a balance through various processes to maintain normal physiologic function. There are internal and external factors that challenge the existing balance leading to stress. Seaward (2012) defines stress as the state of possible imbalance in the body resulting from the adverse forces countered during the body function. It is a state of disharmony and is followed by a demand by the body to restore back the balance through various mechanisms. Adaptation to stress, therefore, makes use of the stress system so as to reestablish the normal body function. This integrates coordination between the brain and the body to successfully respond to the stressors.

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Homeostasis is a predefined, steady state of the body that is critical for a living. There is an internal programming of all the body systems to maintain a normal body function (Harvard Publications, 2016). Homeostasis is also known as eustasis, and various forces within and outside the body could disrupt this optimal equilibrium. The ability to restore the balance varies and is dependent on genetic, developmental and environmental factors.

According to (Tsigos et al., 2016) the primary hormone that mediates stress is cortisol. It is produced and secreted in the zone fasciculate of the adrenal cortex. The average cortisol levels range between 6 and 23 micrograms per deciliter when taken in the morning (Herman, 2012). Cortisol receptors are glucocorticoid receptors found in the cytoplasm and have six domains onto which cortisol can bind. The receptors are expressed in almost every cell of the body and likewise the effects of cortisol.

In the presence of a stressor, the sensory nerve cells pick up this information and transmit it to the brain where the hypothalamus secretes corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete corticotropin. The corticotrophin and a neural impulse from the hypothalamus are transmitted down to the adrenal gland. When corticotropin and the nerve impulse reach the adrenal gland, they bind to the receptors and initiate a cascade that terminates in the production of cortisol (Randall, 2012).

Cortisol impacts almost the entire body and alters many homeostatic mechanisms primarily metabolic functions. In addition to this, it also affects ion transport, immunity, and even memory. The rising levels of cortisol are detected in the hypothalamus and hence corticotrophin releasing hormone and adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary (Seaward, 2012). The reduction in these stimulating hormones eventually causes a decline in cortisol production. The drop in the level of cortisol lowers the stress levels hence bringing back the bodys functioning to normal.

The production of cortisol and its action is a negative feedback mechanism. This is a similar mechanism for all the hormones secreted through the action of the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. The hormone cortisol regulates its production when it binds to the receptors in the hypothalamus and the pituitary. This causes the inhibition of the release of corticotrophin releasing hormone and adrenocorticotrophic hormone.

The negative feedback mechanism helps in keeping hormones in check within the normal levels. Failure of this mechanism will lead to a prolonged release of cortisol. When there is a continued increase in cortisol due to chronic stress causes a lowered immune system hence a person is prone to infections (Tsigos et al., 2016). This is because of blockage of T cell proliferation by cortisol hormone. The mobilization of glucose and gluconeogenesis can also lead to muscle wasting and eventually weight loss.

References

Harvard Publications. (2016). Understanding the stress response - Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Retrieved 20 February 2017, from http://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response

Herman, J. (2012). Neural Pathways of Stress Integration, 34(4), 441-447. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3860392/

Randall, M. (2012). The Physiology of Stress: Cortisol and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. DUJS Online. Retrieved 20 February 2017, from http://dujs.dartmouth.edu/2011/02/the-physiology-of-stress-cortisol-and-the-hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis/#.WKtA4VV97IU

Seaward, B. (2012). Managing stress: principles and strategies for health and well-being. Burlington, MA: Jones & Bartlett Learning.

Tsigos, C., Kyrou, I., Kassi, E., & Chrousos, G. (2016). Stress, Endocrine Physiology, and Pathophysiology. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278995/