Cortisol is released by what structure?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To tackle this question, consider where cortisol is produced in the body and how the body's stress-response axis operates.
Option a: Pituitary gland. While the pituitary releases ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) that stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, the pituitary itself does not release cortisol directly. So this option is incorrect because it confuses the source with the regulator.
Option b: Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus secretes CRH (corticotropin-releasing hormone), which triggers the pituitary to release ACTH, but it does not secrete cortisol. This makes this choice inaccurate for the question’s request about the cortisol source.
Option c: Adrenal gland. Specifically, the adrenal cortex within the adrenal gland is the site where cortisol is synthesized and released into the bloodstream. This is the direct source of cortisol, fitting the question perfectly. Therefore, this option is correct.
Option d: Hippocampus. The hippocampus is a brain structure involved in memory and some regulatory functions, not a cortisol-producing site. It is not responsible for cortisol release, so this is incorrect.
In summary, cortisol is released by the adrenal gland (adrenal cortex), with pituitary and hypothalamus playing regulatory roles in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the hippocampus not producing cortisol at all.

HESM 286 (001) FALL 2025 Cumulative Final Exam

Cortisol is released by what structure?

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HESM 286 (001) FALL 2025 Cumulative Final Exam

Cortisol is released by what structure?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

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The various hormones of the endocrine system work in isolation.

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