hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis

A systemic hormonal system regulated by circadian rhythms, environmental stimulation & feedback inhibition. It consists of: 1) neurons in the hypothalamus a) secrete corticotropin releasing hormone/factor (CRF/CRH) -> CRF released into the portal circulation b) inhibited by cortisol portal circulation to stimulate 2) cells within the anterior pituitary a) secrete ACTH b) stimulated by CRF from the portal circulation c) inhibited by cortisol 3) cells in the adrenal cortex a) secrete cortisol (human) b) stimulated by ACTH