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Cold stress affects the brain mediator agents, serotonin and dopamine, which regulate mood. The hypophysis (pituitary gland) extracts beta-endorphines, which alleviate pain and induce a feeling of well-being.

Cold exposure stimulates the hypodermal cold receptors. They transmit the message of cold exposure to the hypothalamus (cerebral temperature regulating centre). The sympathetic nerve system reacts by producing noradrenalin which makes hypodermal blood vessels contract.

The hypothalamus hormones increase pituitary gland segregation which then activates adrenal and thyroid glands. The adrenal gland secretes adrenalin and cortisole. Together with noradrenalin, they regulate carbohydrate metabolism. The organism uses carbohydrates in short cold exposures as a primary source of energy for warming up.

In constant exposure the organism adapts to cold and muscle activity and blood circulation are improved.

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