Brain Structures

Brain structures involved in the stress response include the following:

Hypothalamus releases CRH (activates the pituitary gland)

Pituitary gland releases ACTH (activates the adrenal glands, which release adrenaline and cortisol)

Hippocampus responds to cortisol, provides feedback to the hypothalamus to help shut down the stress response

Amygdala provides feedback to the hypothalamus to help maintain the stress response

Return to What Stress Is Doing to Your Brain