Stress And Adaptation Nursing Practice Test

Which gland releases ACTH as part of the GAS alarm stage cascade?

Hypothalamus Anterior Pituitary Adrenal Cortex Adrenal Medulla

Correct Answer:

Anterior Pituitary

Explanation:

During the alarm stage of the GAS, the brain activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then travels to the adrenal cortex, prompting cortisol release to mobilize energy and support the stress response. The anterior pituitary is the source of ACTH in this cascade, not the hypothalamus (which releases CRH upstream), nor the adrenal cortex (which releases cortisol in response to ACTH), nor the adrenal medulla (which releases catecholamines).

Access more questions from this quiz

Continue to Stress and Adaptation Nursing Practice Test for more practice questions and the full quiz experience.

Access More Questions