The #hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis plays a vital role in stress response

Experiencing stressful situations prompts a cascading neuropsychological response, in our brains and in our bodies.
During episodes of stressful encounters, the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis acts as a regulator,. The HPA is both influenced by and provide feedback to the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and adrenal glands. The HPA function is a primary aspect of the neuroendocrine system in the stress response cycle, including bodily regulation of digestion, the immune system, emotions and moods, sexuality and the inflow and outflow of energy. It serves as a central mechanism for the complex interactions of hormones, glands, and parts of the general adaptation syndrome (GAS). The HPA axis combined with corticosteroids produces the physiological response to stress. (Lange C, Zschucke E, Ising M, Uhr M, Bermpohl F, Adli M., 2013).

#hypothalamicpituitaryadrenocorticalaxis
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23931983