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HPA Axis Feedback Control

Meaning

HPA Axis Feedback Control describes the self-regulating mechanism by which the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis maintains homeostatic balance of the stress response, primarily through the modulation of cortisol secretion. This intricate system relies on circulating levels of cortisol acting back on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to inhibit the release of CRH and ACTH, respectively. Efficient feedback control ensures that the body’s response to a stressor is transient and appropriately terminated, preventing the detrimental effects of chronic hypercortisolemia. Dysfunction in this loop is a central feature of many stress-related hormonal and mood disorders.