What physiological changes occur in the body during a stress reaction?
Several different mechanisms are associated with stress reactions. The sympathetic nervous system is activated and the calming-down effect of the parasympathetic nervous system is reduced. The sympathetic system includes the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal medulla and adrenal cortex, which release stress hormones. For example, cortisol reduces protein synthesis and increases the breakdown of proteins. In a chronic stress state (overload), the immune system starts to suffer because of the proteins that are crucial for its functioning are reduced, exposing the body to various diseases.
