Once the amygdala does decide that danger is ahead, an ancient sequence of events occurs. The amygdala signals the pituitary gland to release a hormone called ACTH (adrenocorticotropin). This in turn triggers the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands, which results in more energy being provided to your muscles and nervous system. The adrenal glands also produce adrenaline and noradrenaline, which suppress your digestive, immune, and reproductive systems (figuring that these are not high-priority processes in an emergency). Levels of blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and
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