The Body's Response to Stress - Biological Psychology AS (2)

This is also known as the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (or HPA) system. This is a chemical (i.e. hormone) based system and whilst fast is not as fast as the sympthomedullary pathway. It can be thought of as the mechanism that prolongs the stress response.

•A stressor is sensed and the hypothalamus (in the brain) readies the body for action (the fight or flight response).

•The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH).

•The adrenal cortex detects ACTH and releases more hormones called corticosteroids.

•These have a range off effects on the body, including helping blood to clot, and influencing the sugar and salt levels in the blood.