The hypothalamus plays a vital role in stressful conditions. Under stress, the hypothalamus performs four specific functions: first, it activates the autonomic nervous system; Second, it releases corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF), which in turn stimulates the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary; third, it produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin; and fourth, it stimulates the thyroid hormone thyroxine. ACTH from the pituitary gland is released into the bloodstream and reaches the adrenal gland to stimulate the adrenal cortex to release the glucocorticoid hormone. (Reference: Ellen Serber. Stress management through yoga. International Journal of yoga Therapy. 2000;10:11-16) & (Ref: GS Everly and JM Lating, A clinical guide to the treatment of the human response to stress, 2013, © Springer Science+Business Media New York; DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-5538-7_2; Book ref: Brian Luke Seaward. Managing stress: principles and strategies for health and well-being, Chapter 2, Physiology of Stress 9th edition, 2018; Jones and Bartlett Publishers, pp.34-48). & (Ref: Tsigos C, Kyrou I, Kassi E, et al. Stress, Endocrine Physiology and Pathophysiology. Available at www.endotext.com). & (Ref: George P Chrousos. Stress and disorders of the stress system. Nat. Rev. Endocrinol. 2009; 5(7):374-381) & (Ref: Michial Randal. The physiology of stress: cortisol and hypothalamic- Axix pituitary-adrenal. Darmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science, 2011). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Therefore, along with glucocorticoids from the adrenal gland, the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine from the sympathetic nervous system make up a large percentage of what happens in our bodies during stress. Another chemical change occurs in the body during stress and is also equally important in an emergency situation. The pituitary gland and the brain secrete substances intended to reduce painful sensations, called endorphins and enkephalins. The pancreas is stimulated to release excess glucagon hormone, making glucose readily available to the muscles. The release of the hormone prolactin from the pituitary gland suppresses reproduction. Testosterone, progesterone and estrogen are sex hormones, their secretion is inhibited. Secretion of growth hormone and insulin is inhibited. (Ref: Ellen Serber. Stress management through yoga. International Journal of yoga Therapy. 2000; Volume.10, pp.11-16) & (Repeat ref.; Book: Brian Luke Seaward. Managing stress: principles and strategies for health and well-being, chapter 2, Physiology of Stress; 9th edition, 2018; Jones and Bartlett Publishers, pp.34-48). Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a personalized essay. Cardiovascular and respiratory responses to stress are most significant where cardiac output, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, depth and force are increased. These increased cardiovascular responses allow a rapid delivery of oxygen and energy to the working muscles. The blood in the vascular system moves with particularly high speed and force. Strong vasoconstriction increases blood pressure. There is a diversion of more blood to the muscles and the blood supply is compromised to the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, skin, etc. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) conserves water to keep blood volume high. (repeat Ref: Ellen Serber. Stress management through yoga.,, 2011).