Which two glands stimulate the release of adrenal hormones during stress?

The hypothalamus and pituitary gland play pivotal roles in the body's response to stress, specifically in the release of adrenal hormones. When an individual experiences stress, the hypothalamus responds by releasing corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). This hormone travels to the pituitary gland, where it stimulates the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, prompting them to release glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which help the body manage stress.

This hormonal cascade emphasizes the critical interaction between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the regulation of adrenal hormone synthesis and release. Understanding this pathway is essential for recognizing how the body adapts to stress and the physiological changes that occur during this process.