Hormonal Coordination and Stress Management

Stress and the Nervous System

In alarming situations, the nervous and hormonal systems trigger a series of processes that provoke reactions such as increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and heightened tension. This tension typically subsides when the alarming situation ends. However, if the situation persists, it can lead to anxiety, distress, depression, and insomnia.

To reduce these effects, consider the following:

• Adequate sleep
• Regular exercise
• Balanced diet
• Avoid consumption of tranquilizers, drugs, and sleep aids

Hormonal Coordination: The Endocrine System

The endocrine system is a set of glands formed by specialized cells that secrete hormones. Glands are classified as:

• Endocrine: Release hormones into the bloodstream.
• Exocrine: Discharge their secretions outside the body or into the digestive tract.
• Mixed: Perform both endocrine and exocrine functions (e.g., the pancreas, which secretes pancreatic juice and hormones).

Key Endocrine Glands and Their Hormones

• Pituitary Gland:
  • Growth hormone
  • Thyrotropin (stimulates thyroid secretion)
  • Adrenocorticotropin (stimulates adrenal gland secretion)
  • Gonadotropin (regulates sexual gland activity)
  • Prolactin (stimulates milk secretion)
• Thyroid Gland:
  • Thyroxine (stimulates cell activity)
• Adrenal Glands:
  • Epinephrine (stimulates cardiac and respiratory rates)
  • Cortisol (stimulates glucose synthesis and fat breakdown)
• Pancreas:
  • Insulin (decreases blood glucose levels)
  • Glucagon (increases blood glucose levels)
• Testes:
  • Testosterone (regulates male sexual organ function)
• Ovaries:
  • Progesterone and estradiol (regulate female sexual organ function and prepare the body for pregnancy)

Hormone Characteristics

Hormones regulate bodily functions and are:

• Specific: Act on certain target cells.
• Highly effective: A minimal quantity fulfills its function.
• Controlled production: Excess or shortage can lead to hormonal imbalances and diseases.

Example of Hormonal Action: Blood Sugar Control

When blood glucose levels are high, the pancreas secretes insulin. Insulin stimulates glucose uptake by cells throughout the body, promotes glycogen storage in muscles and liver, and transforms excess glucose into fat.

When blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas produces glucagon, which stimulates the release of glucose from storage sites.

The Pituitary Gland: Master of the Hormonal System

The pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, controls the activity of other endocrine glands. Its mechanism involves:

1. Producing tropic hormones.
2. Releasing tropic hormones into the bloodstream to stimulate hormone secretion by other endocrine glands.
3. Increased blood hormone levels inhibit further tropic hormone production.
4. Lack of tropic hormones inhibits hormone production by the corresponding gland.

Hormonal Imbalances

Disturbances in hormone levels can lead to various conditions, such as:

• Growth: Growth hormone deficiency can cause stunted growth, while excess can lead to gigantism.
• Metabolism: Thyroxine deficiency can cause obesity, while excess can lead to weight loss.
• Glucose Levels: High glucose concentration causes hyperglycemia, while low concentration leads to hypoglycemia.