Question

A student becomes very stressed while taking an exam. Explain how cortisol and epinephrine are affected by this increased level of stress and explain the effects it has on the student.

Answer 1

Cortisol, the primary stress hormone, increases sugars (glucose) in the bloodstream, enhances the student's brain's use of glucose and increases the availability of substances for tissue replenishment. The amygdala sends a message to the hypothalamus, which releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH then tells the pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which tells the adrenal glands to produce cortisol. Approximately 15 minutes after the onset of stress, cortisol levels rise systemically and remain elevated for several hours.

If the student is stressed continuously, cortisol is secreted continuously which can suppress the immune system, increase blood pressure and sugar, decrease libido, produce acne, contribute to obesity and more

Epinephrine is largely responsible for the immediate reactions which the student might feel when stressed. It would increase the heart rate, elevate blood pressure and boost energy supplies of the student.