Question

Under ________ stress, our cortisol level returns to normal after dealing with a given stressor. However, under _______ stress, the HPA axis can remain activated over longer periods of times.

Answer 1

Under short-term stress, cortisol levels return to normal after dealing with a stressor. Under long-term stress, the HPA axis remains activated, leading to continued release of cortisol from the adrenal cortex.

Step-by-step explanation:

Under short-term stress, our cortisol level returns to normal after dealing with a given stressor. However, under long-term stress, the HPA axis can remain activated over longer periods of times. In a long-term stress response, the hypothalamus triggers the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the anterior pituitary gland. The adrenal cortex is then stimulated by ACTH to release corticosteroids, such as cortisol, that affect cellular metabolism and glucose synthesis.