Definition
The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA) is considered the “gatekeeper” of the human body homeostasis and is important for sensing the intrinsic, extrinsic (environmental) epigenetic stimuli trying to establish and maintain the homeostasis of the human body. The organs implicated are the hypothalamus, the pituitary, and the adrenal glands. Their interactions constitute the HPA axis – the system of neuroendocrine that regulates emotions, metabolism, immunity, sexuality, and energy management. The HPA activation – for body homeostasis maintenance – may result to nervous, cardiac, and immune system responses, reflecting personality disorders, socioeconomic changes, family history, developmental changes, underlying pathological entities, etc.
Introduction
When activated, the HPA axis may trigger several systemic responses...
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Geronikolou, S.A., Chrousos, G., Kanaka-Gantenbein, C. (2020). Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal Axis. In: Zeigler-Hill, V., Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Personality and Individual Differences. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_765
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-24612-3_765
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