Sunday, October 21, 2012

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis governs the stress response in that first is that the hypothalamus directs ANS activity via the corticotrophic releasing factor (CRF). Secondly, CRF stimulates the anterior pituitary and this triggers the release of hormones in the endocrine system (which is a group of ductless glands). Thirdly, the pituitary hormone AVTH stimulates the adrenal cortex, which produces adrenaline and nonadrenaline. Fourthly, Both of these are released as respone to stress, and they then create sympathetic arousal (which includes raised heart rate and sweating). Finally, the adrenal cortex also releases hormones such as cortisol which result in parasympatheric activity such as suppression of the immune system.

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