Choose the correct sequence of components leading up to cortisol release.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When the body experiences a stressful stimulus, it activates the hypothalamus which sends a signal to the pituitary gland to release corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH then triggers the anterior pituitary gland to release adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH). ACTH travels in the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex where it stimulates the release of cortisol. Option A is incorrect because it skips the pituitary gland and goes straight to the adrenal cortex. Option C also skips the role of CRH in the hypothalamus. Option D is incorrect because the adrenal medulla releases epinephrine, not cortisol. Option E is partially correct in that it includes the adrenal medulla's release of epinephrine, but it skips the role of CRH in the hypothalamus and ACTH in the anterior pituitary gland.

Choose the Correct Sequence of Components Leading Up to Cortisol