Which two neurotransmitters are primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system responses during stress?

The two neurotransmitters primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system responses during stress are norepinephrine and epinephrine. When the body encounters a stressful situation, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, initiating the "fight or flight" response. Norepinephrine, released at nerve endings, helps prepare the body for immediate action by increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and blood flow to muscles. This allows for a quick response to perceived threats.

Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is released from the adrenal glands into the bloodstream. This hormone amplifies the effects of norepinephrine, further enhancing physical responses like increased heart rate and energy availability, ensuring the body is fully prepared to handle stressors effectively.

This understanding is vital in biofeedback therapy, where recognizing how the body responds to stress can aid in developing techniques to manage these responses and improve overall health and well-being.