Human Growth and Development / Unit 11 HGD 1512 worked example, 60 to 90 seconds
Stress Physiology
The idea
Stress triggers the fight-or-flight response, releasing two hormones. Adrenaline raises heart rate and blood pressure; chronic activation strains the cardiovascular system and contributes to hypertension and stroke. Cortisol raises blood glucose, adding to the risk of type two diabetes, and suppresses immune function. Both are useful in a short emergency; the harm comes from chronic activation.
In practice
A graduate student with months of deadline pressure, whose blood pressure rises and who catches every cold going around.
Where people slip
Exam items pair the hormone with its effect: heart rate and blood pressure point to adrenaline, blood glucose and immune suppression to cortisol. Claims that stress causes cancer rest on weaker human evidence and are not taught as established. The course describes stress physiology; it does not offer stress-management advice.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
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