Final answer:
Stress triggers the fight-or-flight response, involving adrenaline and cortisol release, which affect the body's physiological state by increasing heart rate, breathing, and prepare muscles for action. Chronic or psychological stress can have negative health impacts, including impaired immune function and cardiovascular issues.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding Stress and the Fight-or-Flight Response
Stress is the body's response to perceived threats or demands, and it triggers a complex series of physiological reactions known as the fight-or-flight response. This includes the rapid activation of the sympathetic nervous system and the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These stress hormones lead to various physiological changes such as increased heart rate, elevated blood glucose levels, and muscle tension. These changes prepare the body to quickly respond to danger by fighting or fleeing, although modern stressors often do not require such physical responses.
Physiologically, stress primarily involves the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. When faced with a stressful situation, the body's initial reaction includes increased production of adrenaline, which heightens alertness and physical abilities by boosting blood flow and energy supply. If the stress persists, the HPA axis releases cortisol, which maintains the heightened state of alertness but can also impair the immune system and lead to health problems if sustained over time.
The flight-or-flight response impacts the cardiorespiratory and muscular systems by accelerating heart rate and respiration, distributing oxygen to muscles more effectively, and preparing the body for physical exertion. However, when stress is chronic or psychological in nature rather than physical, this physiological preparation can contribute to health issues, such as cardiovascular disorders or weakened immunity.