At the physiological level, arousal plays a key role in stress-related behaviours. The hypothalamus initiates action along two pathways, first pathway involves the ____________ and second pathway involves the __________________.

Autonomic nervous system and Pituitary gland

At the physiological level, arousal plays a key role in stress-related behaviours. The hypothalamus initiates action along two pathways. The first pathway involves the autonomic nervous system. The adrenal gland releases large amount of catecholamines (epinephrine and norepinephrine) into the blood stream. This leads to physiological changes seen in fight-or-flight response. The second pathway involves the pituitary gland, which secretes the corticosteroid (cortisol) which provides energy.