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Regulation of Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) Axis This article provides a brief overview of the HPA axis and the various other factors that regulate its function. The HPA axis plays a crucial role in the body's complex neuroendocrine system. It facilitates the body's response to physical or mental stressors that disturb homeostasis. The HPA axis includes hypothalamic CRH, AVP, pituitary ACTH, and adrenal GCs. The regulation of the HPA axis is a complex process governed by both positive and negative feedback loops. Several mediators, including hormones, neurotransmitters, cytokines, and growth factors, regulate the HPA axis. GCs, the final outcome of the HPA axis, are crucial for maintaining homeostasis. It gives the body the ability to be ready for, react to, and handle physical and mental stress. The pituitary hormone ACTH controls the synthesis and secretion of cortisol, which is controlled by the hypothalamus hormone CRH with the additive effect of arginine vasopressin. The HPA axis is composed of these hormones. When the sympathetic nervous system is activated, the hypothalamus releases CRH and AVP into the portal circulation , which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release ACTH and, ultimately, the adrenal cortex to release glucocorticoids. Stress system activation enhances arousal, speeds motor reflexes, improves attention and cognition, lowers hunger and sexual desire, and increases pain tolerance. Citations- Papadimitriou, A., & Priftis, K. N. (2009b). Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis. Neuroimmunomodulation, 16(5), 265–271. https://doi.org/10.1159/000216184 Acronyms - ACTH- Adrenocorticotropic hormone GCs- Glucocorticoids CRH- Corticotropin-releasing hormone AVP- Arginine vasopressin HPA- Hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis