STRESS PHYSIOLOGY AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM

Stress is a complex physiological and psychological response that occurs when an individual is exposed to internal or external stressors threatening homeostasis. The autonomic nervous system (ANS) plays a central role in mediating the body’s immediate and long-term responses to stress through coordinated activation of the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions. This article reviews the physiological mechanisms of stress, with particular emphasis on its effects on autonomic regulation, cardiovascular function, and metabolic processes. Understanding stress-related autonomic responses is essential for elucidating the pathophysiology of stress-associated disorders and developing effective preventive and therapeutic strategies.