The hypothalamic pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system
The HPA system is the body's slow-acting stress response. It runs from the brain to the adrenal glands and releases a hormone called cortisol when a stressor continues over time.
Real World
Students sitting A-level exams across several weeks show elevated salivary cortisol throughout the exam period — a measurable sign that the HPA axis remains activated during prolonged academic stress.
Exam Focus
Spell out the full sequence (hypothalamus → pituitary → adrenal cortex → cortisol) to secure all descriptive marks; partial chains are a common error.
Evaluation Scaffold
A four-step framework for high-quality evaluation. Use this for 'assess', 'evaluate', and 'to what extent' questions.
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