HPA

• the HPA pathway releases corticosteroids to help us cope with injury and damage
• hpa pathway consists of the hypothalamus - pituitary gland which relases ACTH through the blood - Adrenal cortex which releases cortisol.
• the HPA system is the second part of the stress response and it responds to chronic stressors such as work and exams
• The hypothalamus is stimulated when the brain notices a stressor.
• A signal is then sent to the pituitary gland in the brain which releases a hormone called ACTH
• ACTH travels through the bloodstream down to the adrenal cortex which releases corticosteroids, such a cortisol, into the bloodstream.
• corticosteroids have two major effects on the body

  1. release glucose from the liver
  2. suppress the immune system to redirect energies to other areas of the body.