An increase in blood pressure is an overall response of the body to stress and is mediated by hormones and neurohormones.
True
False
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: True
An increase in blood pressure is indeed an overall response of the body to stress, and it is mediated by hormones and neurohormones. When the body experiences stress, whether physical or emotional, it triggers a complex reaction known as the stress response or fight-or-flight response. This response is controlled primarily by the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system.
One of the key hormones involved in this response is adrenaline (also known as epinephrine), which is released by the adrenal medulla. Another important hormone is norepinephrine, released from nerve endings and also from the adrenal glands. These hormones act rapidly to prepare the body to deal with the stressor. They increase the heart rate and cause vasoconstriction, which narrows the blood vessels and results in a rise in blood pressure. This ensures that vital organs such as the brain and muscles receive more oxygen and nutrients to respond effectively to the threat.
Another hormone, cortisol, released from the adrenal cortex in response to signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, also plays a role in maintaining elevated blood pressure during prolonged stress. Cortisol helps to retain sodium and water in the kidneys, which increases blood volume and therefore contributes to increased blood pressure.
These physiological changes are essential for survival in acute stress situations. However, when stress becomes chronic, the continuous elevation of blood pressure can have harmful effects, increasing the risk of hypertension, heart disease, and stroke.
In summary, the increase in blood pressure during stress is a normal, adaptive mechanism controlled by neurohormones like adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol. These hormones prepare the body to act quickly and efficiently in response to stressors.