Chapter 17.5, Problem 3AYLO

Summary Introduction

To discuss:

The 3 stages of the stress response, hormones and physiological effects of each stage of stress, and the transition from one stage to the next.

Introduction:

Hormones are chemical messengers secreted by the endocrine glands or neurosecretory cells into the extracellular fluids. The secreted hormones reach the target cells through the bloodstream and they stimulate the response of other tissues or cells. Hormones bind only to specific cells based on their corresponding receptors present on cells and they act through chemical signals. They regulate growth, development, blood pressure, metabolism, fluid concentration, and maintain homeostasis in the body. Both positive feedback and negative feedback mechanism may regulate hormone pathways. Positive feedback amplifies the stimulus, whereas, negative feedback dampens the stimulus and stops the pathway.