How we respond

1 Threat Perception begins in the brain

2 Hypothalamus The command centre of the brain, it sends the corticotropin-releasing hormone to activate the pituitary gland below

3 Pituitary gland The control room of the endocrine system, it secretes the adrenocorticotropic hormone to alert the adrenal glands

4 Adrenal glands Triangular-shaped organs located above our kidneys, they release the stress hormone called cortisol

5 Cortisol An anti-inflammatory steroid, it provides the body some extra boost, and activates its sympathetic nervous system

6 Sympathetic Nervous System It causes the heart to race, BP to shoot up, and breath to become fast, providing the body an energy boost

7 Inflammation Once the threat recedes, cortisol should reduce. But chronic stress leads to overproduction, which causes inflammation and damage to vital organs