Question

Describe the pituitary-adrenal axis (release of cortisol)

a) Hypothalamus releases CRH, which stimulates pituitary to release ACTH, leading to adrenal cortisol release
b) Pituitary releases CRH, which stimulates hypothalamus to release ACTH, leading to adrenal cortisol release
c) Adrenal releases CRH, which stimulates pituitary to release ACTH, leading to hypothalamic cortisol release
d) Adrenal releases ACTH, which stimulates pituitary to release CRH, leading to hypothalamic cortisol release

Answer 1

The hypothalamus releases CRH, which stimulates the pituitary to release ACTH, leading to adrenal cortisol release as part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The correct description of the pituitary-adrenal axis and the release of cortisol is: a) Hypothalamus releases CRH, which stimulates the pituitary to release ACTH, leading to adrenal cortisol release. This is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, where the hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland. The pituitary gland, in turn, releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which then induces the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol. Cortisol is a vital hormone involved in the stress response, blood pressure and blood volume regulation, nutrient uptake, and immune system modulation.