The effects of stress

When people or other animals are exposed to a stressful situation, a hormone called cortisol is secreted into the bloodstream from the outer layer of the adrenal gland. Cortisol helps the body build up its energy resources to deal with stressful situations.

The amygdala is important in controlling the release of cortisol. When the amygdala detects danger, it sends messages to the adrenal gland resulting in the release of cortisol, (as well as adrenaline). Cortisol flows through the blood into all parts of the body and brain.