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Which of the following statements best captures an aspect of the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) system?
 
  A)
  Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) released by the hypothalamus controls to release of cortisol.
  B)
  The pituitary gland communicates with the adrenal cortex through the release of ACTH.
  C)
  The adrenal cortex receives corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) and in turn releases cortisol.
  D)
  The pituitary gland causes a release of CRH from the hypothalamus, which promotes hormone release from the adrenal cortex.

Ans:
B

Feedback:

ACTH mediates between the anterior pituitary gland and the adrenal cortex in the HPA system. ACTH is released by the pituitary, not the hypothalamus, and CRH acts on the pituitary, not the adrenal cortex. CRH flows from the hypothalamus to the pituitary, not vice versa.