Stress causes demands on the body and non-specific responses that can cause temporary or permanent physiological changes. The adrenal cortex releases cortisol and aldosterone in response to stress, with cortisol breaking down fats and proteins to raise blood glucose levels while suppressing the immune and inflammatory responses, and aldosterone retaining sodium and water through the kidneys to increase blood volume and pressure. Prolonged high cortisol exposure can lead to Cushing's disease.

1. Response to Stress

2. What is STRESS? Concentrate on the three important clauses: Demands upon the organism Non Specific Bodily Response Temporary or permanent physiological or structural changes

7. Adrenal Cortex

8. GLUCOCORTICOIDS: CORTISOL Produce a long-term, slow response to stress by: raising blood glucose levels through the breakdown of fats and proteins suppress the immune response inhibit the inflammatory response.

9. MINERALOCORTICOIDS: Aldosterone Mineralocorticoids maintain electrolyte balance by: Retention of Na + & H 2 0 by kidneys Increased blood volume & pressure

11. CUSHINGS DISEASE Caused by prolonged HIGH cortisol exposure