The hypothalamus plays a vital role in stressful conditions. When encountering 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 gland; third, it produces antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin; and fourth, it stimulates the thyroid hormone thyroxine. ACTH is released from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream and reaches the adrenal gland to stimulate the adrenal cortex to release the glucocorticoid hormone. (Repeated ref: Ellen Serber. Stress management through yoga. International Journal of yoga therapy. 2000;10:11-16) and (Ref: GS Everly and JM Lating, A Clinical Guide to the Treatment of the Human Stress Response, 2013; , © Springer Science+Business Media New York; DOI 10.1007/978-1-4614-5538-7_2; pp.17-51) (Book Ref: Brian Luke Seaward. Stress management: principles and strategies for health and well-being, Chapter 2, Stress Physiology; 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 the Hypothalamic- Pituitary-adrenal axis. Darmouth Undergraduate Journal of Science, 2011). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayTherefore, along with the glucocorticoids of the adrenal gland, the hormones adrenaline and norepinephrine of the sympathetic nervous system account for a large percentage of what happens in our body during stress. There is another chemical change that occurs in the body during stress and it is equally important in an emergency situation. The pituitary gland and brain secrete substances to attenuate the sensation of pain known as endorphins and enkephalins. The pancreas is stimulated to release excess hormone glucagon, which makes glucose readily available to the muscles. The release of the hormone prolactin from the pituitary gland suppresses reproduction. Testosterone, progesterone and estrogen are sexual hormones, their secretion is inhibited. Growth-related hormone and insulin secretion are inhibited. (Ref: Ellen Serber. Stress Management through Yoga. International Journal of yoga Therapy. 2000; Volume.10, pp.11-16) and (repeat Book Ref: Brian Luke Seaward. Stress Management: Principles and Strategies for health and well-being, Chapter 2, Stress Physiology; 9th edition, 2018; Jones and Bartlett Publishers, pp.34-48). Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Cardiovascular and respiratory responses to stress are more significant where cardiac output, heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, depth, and strength are increased. These increased cardiovascular responses serve to rapidly deliver oxygen and energy to working muscles. Blood in the vascular system moves with greater speed and force. Strong vasoconstriction increases blood pressure. There is a diversion of a greater amount of blood to the muscles and the blood supply is impaired 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. International Journal of yoga therapy. 2000;10:11-16). & (Ref: GS Everly and JM Lating, A Clinical Guide to Treatment,, 2011).