Explain how the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis (HPA) leads to various physiological changes as a part of the stress response. Please type the answer.
During stress the level of cortisol is increased in the blood to fulfill the requirements of the situation. The main role of cortisol is to increase the blood glucose level as more energy is required during stressed situation. Cortisol have also effect on immune system, digestive system and reproductive system.
The release of cortisol is regulated by hypothalamus where cortici tropin releasing hormone (CRH) is released in response to stress. CRH acts on pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates adrenal gland to release cortisol. The combined system of CRH-ACTH-cortisol release is considered as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (or HPA axis).
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