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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle01:27

Introduction to Stress and Lifestyle

Stress is a multifaceted response to events perceived as challenging or threatening, highlighting physical, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral reactions. Physically, stress can lead to fatigue, sleep disruptions, and various health issues such as frequent colds, chest pains, and nausea. Emotionally, it can manifest as anxiety, depression, irritability, and anger triggered by both minor and major life events. Cognitively, it may result in difficulty in concentration, memory, and...
Hormones of the Adrenal Glands01:31

Hormones of the Adrenal Glands

Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
Physiological Foundation of Stress01:24

Physiological Foundation of Stress

Stress triggers a coordinated physiological response involving the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dual activation ensures that the body is prepared for both immediate and prolonged stress management. The process begins with the perception of a stressor. This initial phase activates the SNS, leading to the rapid release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Major Hormones and Their Functions01:27

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.
Hormonal Regulation01:33

Hormonal Regulation

The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Chronic Stress Shifts Effort-Related Choice Behavior in a Y-Maze Barrier Task in Mice
09:37

Chronic Stress Shifts Effort-Related Choice Behavior in a Y-Maze Barrier Task in Mice

Published on: August 13, 2020

Stress hormones and mate choice.

Jerry F Husak1, Ignacio T Moore

  • 1Department of Biological Sciences, 2119 Derring Hall, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.

Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|August 22, 2008
PubMed
Summary

Glucocorticoid stress hormones influence mate choice by signaling mate quality. Studying stress hormones, sex steroids, and body condition will deepen our understanding of sexual selection.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Behavioral Ecology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • Recent research suggests glucocorticoid stress hormones impact sexual selection.
  • Mate preferences are observed for individuals with specific glucocorticoid levels (low baseline or peak).
  • Glucocorticoids mediate condition-dependent traits used as honest signals of mate quality.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of glucocorticoid stress hormones in sexual selection.
  • To investigate how sexual selection influences the glucocorticoid stress response.
  • To examine the interplay between glucocorticoid stress hormones, sex steroids, and body condition.

Main Methods:

  • This study synthesizes findings from recent research on glucocorticoids and sexual selection.

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Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds
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Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds

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A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
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A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Chronic Stress Shifts Effort-Related Choice Behavior in a Y-Maze Barrier Task in Mice
09:37

Chronic Stress Shifts Effort-Related Choice Behavior in a Y-Maze Barrier Task in Mice

Published on: August 13, 2020

Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds
10:07

Thermal Imaging to Study Stress Non-invasively in Unrestrained Birds

Published on: November 6, 2015

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents
06:15

A Modified Trier Social Stress Test for Vulnerable Mexican American Adolescents

Published on: July 10, 2017

  • It proposes future research directions focusing on specific hormonal and physiological interactions.
  • No new experimental data were generated; this is a conceptual and review-based analysis.

    • Main Results:

    • Glucocorticoid levels can be a factor in mate choice, indicating underlying physiological condition.
    • Sexually selected traits, often condition-dependent, are influenced by stress hormones.
    • Individuals may prefer mates with specific glucocorticoid profiles as indicators of quality.

    Conclusions:

    • Understanding the relationship between sexual selection and stress hormone response requires integrated study.
    • Investigating the interactions of glucocorticoids, sex steroids, and body condition is crucial.
    • This research highlights the endocrine basis of mate choice and sexual selection.