Choose 2 of the 3 questions below and write an essay response to your chosen questions.You may use any notes and resources at your disposal to answer the questions (i.e., open notes).While the use of any resources to properly address the questions is encouraged, please ensure that all work is your own by synthesizing, summarizing, and citing the information you use.Choose a hormonal hypothalamic-pituitary axis and describe how it works. Your answer should include a discussion of the brain areas, hormones, positive and/or negative feedback, organs/glands, and functions/behaviors involved. Cite any sources you use.Choose any hormone and describe its function (i.e., its mechanism of action, how it works, and what it does or results in functionally/behaviorally). Cite any sources you use.Research article. Please research, select, and summarize a primary source journal article that studies one of the following topics. Journal articles can focus on anything related to the topics below (i.e., human behavior, animal behavior, chiropractic treatment of disorders, brain lesions, drug treatment, drug abuse, endocrine/homeostatic dysfunction, etc.).

Question 1: Hormonal Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal glands. It is a major part of the neuroendocrine system that controls reactions to stress and regulates many body processes, including digestion, the immune system, mood and emotions, sexuality, and energy storage and expenditure.

The process begins in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain responsible for maintaining the body's internal balance. When the body experiences stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). This hormone travels to the pituitary gland, triggering the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, which respond by producing cortisol.

Cortisol, known as the "stress hormone," helps to manage stress by increasing sugars in the bloodstream, enhancing the brain's use of glucose, and increasing the availability of substances that repair tissues. It also curbs functions that would be nonessential in a fight or flight situation, such as the immune system response and digestion.

This process involves a negative feedback loop. When the hypothalamus and pituitary gland detect high levels of cortisol in the blood, they reduce the production of CRH and ACTH, which in turn reduces cortisol production. This helps to maintain balance within the body and prevent the effects of prolonged stress.

Question 2: Hormone Function

Insulin is a hormone produced by beta cells in the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. After a meal, the amount of glucose in your blood rises, which triggers your pancreas to release insulin into your bloodstream.

Insulin allows glucose to enter cells in your body, particularly muscle and fat cells, where it is used for energy. It also inhibits the liver from producing glucose. In addition, insulin promotes the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscle cells where it can be used for later energy needs.

When blood glucose levels drop, insulin production decreases. In the absence of insulin, a condition known as diabetes, glucose is not taken up by body cells and the body begins to use fat as an energy source.

References:

• "Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis." Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypothalamic%E2%80%93pituitary%E2%80%93adrenal_axis
• "Insulin Basics." American Diabetes Association. http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/medication/insulin/insulin-basics.html