Describe the body’s stress response in terms of the actions of the adrenal cortex and medulla. What are the different hormones involved, where are they produced, what type of gland produces them, what type of chemical are they, and how do they contribute to the stress response?
I'm not sure how detailed an answer you need, but I will give you a little background information, and if you need more information, you can google it. Your stress responses are controlled by the central nervous system which is composed of a subdivision that can be divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system and are used to control the body's fight or flight or rest and digest responses. The sympathetic nervous system is responsible for fight or flight responses associated with stress, and use hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla. The hormones secreted by the adrenal medulla are tyrosine derivative hormones called epinephrine and norepinephrine, also known as adrenaline and noradrenaline. Since during times of stress the human body's blood pressure rises and your body requires more energy, your body also secretes hormones from the adrenal cortex to cause these types of responses. Your blood pressure rises and you are able to burn more energy because of the catecholamines, aldosterone and cortisol, released released from the adrenal cortex. The glucocorticoid, aldosterone, plays a role in gluconeogenesis increasing blood concentrations of glucose, while the mineralocorticoid, cortisol, causes uptake and secretion of ions in the kidneys causing a slight increase in blood pressure. You should also know that the release of hormones from the adrenal cortex are controlled by ACTH which is released from the anterior pituitary, and the catecholamines are also tyrosine derivative hormones.
The body's stress response involves the actions of two major components: the adrenal cortex and the adrenal medulla. These components work together to release various hormones that help the body adapt to and cope with stress.
The adrenal cortex, which is the outer part of the adrenal gland, produces hormones called glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol. Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones, which means they are composed of cholesterol and are lipid-based molecules. Cortisol is involved in the body's long-term stress response. It helps regulate metabolism, suppresses the immune response, and aids in the breakdown of proteins and fats to provide energy during stressful situations.
On the other hand, the adrenal medulla, which is the inner part of the adrenal gland, produces hormones called catecholamines, mainly adrenaline (epinephrine) and noradrenaline (norepinephrine). Catecholamines are monoamine hormones, derived from the amino acid tyrosine. They are water-soluble and act as neurotransmitters and hormones. Adrenaline and noradrenaline are responsible for the body's rapid response to stress, often known as the fight-or-flight response. These hormones increase heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, preparing the body for immediate action. They also cause the bronchi in the lungs to dilate, improve blood flow to skeletal muscles, and increase mental alertness.
The adrenal glands, where these hormones are produced, are situated on top of each kidney. They are endocrine glands, which means they release hormones directly into the bloodstream rather than through ducts.
In summary, the adrenal cortex produces glucocorticoids (such as cortisol), which help regulate the body's long-term stress response, while the adrenal medulla produces catecholamines (such as adrenaline and noradrenaline), which facilitate the body's immediate response to stress. These hormones, of different chemical types, contribute to the stress response by influencing metabolism, immune function, blood pressure, heart rate, and other physiological processes for adaptive and survival purposes.