The HPA axis involves which three structures?
From the book – Chapter 7: Stress and the Body
The right answer
Hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands
The HPA axis and cortisol
For longer-lasting stress, the brain uses the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis:
Figure 7.2 The stress response from perception to body.
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Hypothalamus releases CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone).
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Pituitary gland releases ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
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Adrenal glands release cortisol, the main stress hormone.
Normal role of cortisol mobilises energy (increases blood sugar); modulates immune function; helps maintain blood pressure; influences sleep-wake cycle and mood.
Acute (short-term) cortisol rise: helpful for coping with immediate challenges. Chronic (long-term) high cortisol: can damage physical and mental health.
Read the full chapter – Chapter 7: Stress and the Body
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Shloks
- Bhagavad Gita 2.14 – Contacts with the world give cold and heat, pleasure and pain. They come and go; they are not lasting. Endure them, O Bharata.
More on this topic: Stress – causes, symptoms and how to reduce stress at work and in exams
More questions
- Which hormone is released during stress and is called the "stress hormone"?
- What is true: chronic stress can lead to all of the following EXCEPT…?
- What is true: the sympathetic nervous system activates during…?
- What is true: healthy stress management includes all EXCEPT…?
- What does Bhagavad Gita 2.14 mean for the mind?
- The Exam Season Knot – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- Running on Empty – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- A New Country, A Heavy Heart – what this story teaches, the signs and what to do
- What can we learn from the story “Meera, Age 38”?
- What is stress?
- How to reduce stress – healthy ways that work
- What is burnout and how do you recover?