GLOSSARY

Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH)
CRH is a hypothalamic peptide that promotes ACTH secretion from anterior pituitary corticotrophs. It is a major component of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal response to physiological and psychological demands.

Signaling and cooperation

CRH acts through receptor-linked pathways that support corticotroph activation. Vasopressin can cooperate with CRH at the pituitary, particularly in stress-related regulation.

Feedback and timing

• Cortisol feeds back to central sites, while circadian and stress-related inputs alter drive.
• The system therefore combines rhythmic regulation with responses to immediate demands.

Exercise interpretation

Longer or sufficiently demanding exercise can increase HPA-axis activity, but the response varies with intensity, training status and energy availability. A peripheral cortisol result does not directly measure hypothalamic CRH secretion or identify the source of stress.