Question

Cortisol is secreted by adrenal cortex in response to stress. In addition to its function in a stress response, it functions in negative feedback by
A. Inhibiting hypothalamus to secrete corticotropin releasing hormone or CRH
B. Inhibiting anterior pituitary’s ability to respond to CRH
C. Inhibiting the epinephrine
D. Both A and B

Answer 1

Hint:-Adrenal gland is a triangular shaped gland located on the upper region of each kidney, that means each individual possesses 2 adrenal glands. Adrenal gland is differentiated into two regions namely, outer cortex and inner medulla. Both the distinct regions secrete various hormones promoting different functions in the body.

Complete answer:
Adrenal cortex which is the outermost region of adrenal gland secretes steroid hormone known as cortisol which plays an important role during stress and a result is also known as primary stress hormone. Adrenal gland is under the control of hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland which in turn is under the control of releasing hormone secreted by the hypothalamus. Hypothalamus secretes CRH (Corticotropin releasing hormone) which stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release the ACTH ( adrenocorticotropic hormone). ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol during stress conditions. When there is no stress or stress conditions are normalised, the negative feedback loop is initiated by the adrenal cortex, due to which hypothalamus no longer releases CRH and anterior pituitary gland no longer responds to CRH. This way, when there is no demand for cortisol, negative feedback keeps the system suppressed.

Hence the correct option of above mentioned question is (D) Both A & B

Note:- Hormones are specialised secretions secreted by the endocrine glands in our body directly into the bloodstream. Endocrine glands are ductless glands which secretes hormones into the bloodstream in a very minute amount. Hormones are able to mediate their physiological effect even in minute quantity.