During the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome, which component is responsible for releasing cortisol through the cascade?

During the alarm stage of the General Adaptation Syndrome, which component is responsible for releasing cortisol through the cascade?

• A. Hypothalamus releases CRH
• B. Posterior Pituitary releases ADH
• C. Anterior Pituitary releases ACTH
• D. Adrenal Cortex releases cortisol and aldosterone

Answer: (D)

In the alarm stage, the body’s rapid response is driven by the HPA axis. The hypothalamus releases CRH, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete ACTH. ACTH then travels to the adrenal cortex and signals it to release cortisol (with aldosterone also produced there but driven mainly by different controls). The actual release of cortisol is carried out by the adrenal cortex, prompted by ACTH. So the component responsible for releasing cortisol through the cascade is the adrenal cortex, which responds to ACTH to secrete cortisol.

In the alarm stage, the body’s rapid response is driven by the HPA axis. The hypothalamus releases CRH, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete ACTH. ACTH then travels to the adrenal cortex and signals it to release cortisol (with aldosterone also produced there but driven mainly by different controls). The actual release of cortisol is carried out by the adrenal cortex, prompted by ACTH. So the component responsible for releasing cortisol through the cascade is the adrenal cortex, which responds to ACTH to secrete cortisol.