Africa

Americas

by CIO Staff

The 30,000-Year-Old Stress Response and How It Works

News
Aug 01, 20031 min
Careers

Brain

Locus coeruleus shocks brain into hyperactivity. Stress hormones flood the system.

Lungs

Norepinephrine speeds up respiration.

Heart

Adrenaline turns up heart rate, increases blood pressure.

Guts

Cortisol shuts down digestion (and suppresses immune response).

Liver

Provides extra sugar to fuel brain and muscles.

Belly

Fat cells open up to receive fat—storable energy.

Feet

Now you’re ready to flee or fight.