What is the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis?
The Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis is a crucial neuroendocrine system involved in the regulation of stress responses, metabolism, immune function, and energy storage. It consists of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then prompts the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a vital steroid hormone.
