stress triggers the release of __________, which play a role in inflammation and fever.

Stress triggers the release of cytokines, which are small proteins that play a crucial role in cell signaling. Cytokines are produced by various cells in the body in response to stress and are involved in the inflammatory response. When the body is under stress, either physical or psychological, the immune system becomes activated, leading to an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This release is part of the body’s way of responding to perceived threats, promoting inflammation as a mechanism to signal and recruit other immune cells to the site of injury or infection.

In addition to inflammation, cytokines can also impact body temperature regulation, contributing to the fever response. Certain cytokines, such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor (TNF), can affect the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for regulating temperature, thus leading to an increase in body temperature. This process is vital for the body’s ability to fight off infections and heal injuries. Therefore, understanding the role of cytokines in response to stress is essential in fields such as immunology and psychology.