Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by glands, regulating various physiological processes. Examples include insulin, estrogen, and adrenaline. They travel through the bloodstream, influencing growth, metabolism, and other bodily functions.
Which hormone is secreted into the blood when you are under stress? Name the gland that secretes this hormone. ii) How does it help the body to cope up in an emergency situation?
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(i) The hormone that is commonly secreted into the blood when an individual is under stress is cortisol. Cortisol is a steroid hormone that belongs to the glucocorticoid class and is produced by the adrenal glands.
(ii) Cortisol plays a crucial role in helping the body cope with emergency or stressful situations through the following mechanisms:
1. Energy Release: Cortisol promotes the breakdown of glycogen (stored in the liver) into glucose. This process, known as glycogenolysis, increases the availability of glucose in the bloodstream. This elevated glucose level provides a quick and readily available source of energy for the body’s cells, especially in situations where increased energy is needed, such as during the “fight or flight” response to stress.
2. Protein and Fat Metabolism: Cortisol stimulates the breakdown of proteins into amino acids and fats into fatty acids. The resulting amino acids can be used for energy production, and fatty acids can be utilized for additional energy needs.
3. Anti-inflammatory Action: Cortisol has anti-inflammatory properties. In stressful situations, the body may experience inflammation as part of the stress response. Cortisol helps to suppress the immune system’s inflammatory response, reducing the potential for excessive inflammation.
4. Suppression of Non-Essential Functions: Cortisol helps to redirect the body’s resources towards functions that are essential for immediate survival. It can suppress non-essential functions, such as the reproductive and immune systems, temporarily prioritizing resources for dealing with the stressor at hand.
5. Maintenance of Blood Pressure: Cortisol supports blood vessel constriction, which helps to maintain blood pressure during stressful situations. This is important for ensuring an adequate blood supply to vital organs and tissues.
While cortisol is beneficial in the short term for coping with acute stress, chronic or prolonged elevation of cortisol levels due to ongoing stress can have negative effects on health. It is important for the body’s stress response to return to baseline levels once the stressor has been resolved to maintain overall well-being. Chronic stress and prolonged elevation of cortisol can contribute to various health issues, including metabolic disorders, immune system suppression, and cardiovascular problems.