Endocrine regulation · USMLE Step 1

In the HPA axis, what is the correct sequence of hormone release during a stress response?

  1. ACTH → CRH → Cortisol
  2. Cortisol → ACTH → CRH
  3. CRH → ACTH → Cortisol
  4. CRH → Cortisol → ACTH
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Correct answer: CRH → ACTH → Cortisol

In the HPA axis, stress triggers hypothalamic release of CRH, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release ACTH; ACTH then acts on the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 23

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