Final answer:
The stress response, or fight-or-flight reaction, includes increased heart rate, higher blood glucose, faster respiration, altered blood flow, secretion of adrenal hormones like epinephrine and norepinephrine, elevated metabolic rate, and changes in immune system functioning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Physiological Effects of Stress Response
The stress response, often referred to as the "fight-or-flight" response, involves several physiological changes in the body. These changes are meant to prepare an organism to either confront or flee from perceived threats. Here are seven physiological effects typically observed during the stress response:
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure to deliver more oxygen and nutrients to muscles.
- Elevation of blood glucose levels to provide immediate energy.
- Increased respiration rate to supply more oxygen to the bloodstream.
- Diversion of blood flow away from non-essential functions like digestion and reproduction to more critical functions necessary for immediate survival.
- Increased secretion of epinephrine and norepinephrine from the adrenal glands, which helps facilitate the above changes and sharpens alertness.
- Increased metabolic rate to generate more heat and energy.
- Redistribution of immune system resources, potentially reducing the efficacy of the immune response to focus on immediate survival.
During stress, there is also a release of cortisol, which helps mobilize energy but, if chronically elevated, can lead to impairments in immunity and other health issues.