Part 4/8:
This HPA axis is a complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which releases various hormones including adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline prepares the body for immediate physical activity, while cortisol helps manage energy supply and responses over longer durations. This mechanism is vital for survival, part of our evolutionary heritage, enabling quick reactions to potential threats that can occur in under a minute.