Chapter 35, Problem 32A

Summary Introduction

To analyze:

The ability to fight against infection of a body in long term use of cortisol.

Introduction:

Hormones are called chemical messengers. With the help of blood, the hormones reach the organs and the tissue to maintain their function. There are many types of hormones that are secreted in the body to maintain the processes and function. Thyroxine hormone is secreted by thyroid glands.

Explanation of Solution

Cortisol is a hormone that is involved in the increase in blood sugar levels. It enhances the brain for the use of glucose and increases the production of tissue repairing substance. It is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland and controlled by the hypothalamus, adrenal gland, and pituitary gland. The cortisol hormone can boost immunity by maintaining the inflammation but with time, an excess amount of cortisol in the blood results in the cause of more inflammation. The cortisol shows the fight-or-flight effect during infection. It changes the immune system responses and suppresses the growth, reproduction, and digestive process during infection.

Conclusion

The access amount of cortisol in the blood may increase inflammation. It even alters the reproductive, digestive, and growth process.