Final answer:
The two regulatory systems in the body that govern the stress response are the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers immediate fight-or-flight reactions, and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which releases hormones like cortisol to manage stress.
Step-by-step explanation:
When we experience stress, two main regulatory systems within our body orchestrate the stress response: the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The sympathetic nervous system rapidly triggers arousal and prepares the body for the 'fight-or-flight' response, releasing adrenaline and activating immediate physiological changes such as an accelerated heart rate.
Simultaneously, the HPA axis engages, beginning with the hypothalamus releasing corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), stimulating the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn prompts the adrenal glands to secrete cortisol, known as the stress hormone. While cortisol helps to provide energy to deal with stressors initially, prolonged elevation can impair the immune system. The coordination of these systems is crucial for survival and involves the integration of various central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral systems.