All Stressed Out!

Chronic Stress, Cortisol Release and Body Function

Abstract

This activity was designed to develop student understanding of the relationship between stress, cortisol release and function. Students are expected to be familiar with the general hypothalamic, pituitary axis. This activity specifically explains the hypothalamic, pituitary, adrenal gland axis in reference to cortisol. It is designed for undergraduate students taking Anatomy and Physiology II within the biology discipline. The activity is based on the POGIL learning cycle to be conducted in a classroom setting. Upon completion of the activity, the following learning objectives will be achieved. Students will be able to explain the relationship between the hypothalamus, the anterior pituitary, and the adrenal cortex as it relates to cortisol release in response to stress. Students will be able to describe the physiological effects of cortisol release on bodily functions and be able to explain the physiological effects of chronically elevated levels of cortisol exposure.

Level: Undergraduate
Setting: Classroom
Activity Type: Learning Cycle
Discipline: Biology
Course: Anatomy & Physiology
Keywords: endocrine, stress, cortisol, feedback regulation, hypothalamus, anterior pituitary, adrenal cortex