Final answer:
The secretion of glucocorticoids is controlled by neurons localized within the hypothalamus, specifically the preoptic hypothalamus and the paraventricular nuclei.
Step-by-step explanation:
The secretion of glucocorticoids is controlled by neurons localized within the hypothalamus, specifically the preoptic hypothalamus and the paraventricular nuclei. The hypothalamus produces and releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland. In turn, ACTH stimulates the production and secretion of glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, from the adrenal cortex.