Question

1. The HPA axis is critical for managing our response to stress. Explain how this neuroendocrine axis is activated, the key structure and pathways involved, and the physiological outcomes that result.

Answer 1

Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA)

it is crucial for the management of stress.HPA includes paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus, pitutary gland and adrenal gland.

Activation of neuroendocrine axis.

When there is stress the body stimulate the limbic system in the brain ,and limbic system send stimulus to the paraventricular nucleus in the hypothalamus that releases the corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH ) that acts on the pituitary gland in turn pitutary releases adrenocortico tropin releasing hormone(ACTH) which acts on the adrenal gland and releases cortisol .

Cortisol is a stress hormone that enhances the blood glucose levels and increases the availability of glucose to the brain and relevies stress from the body.