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Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axes

Meaning

The Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axes, commonly referenced by their specific peripheral target glands such as HPA, HPT, or HPG, represent the complex, interconnected neuroendocrine control systems of the human body. These axes form a critical, hierarchical communication pathway linking the central nervous system’s perception of the internal and external environment with the peripheral endocrine glands. They function as the master regulators of essential physiological processes, including stress response, metabolism, growth, and reproduction.