Production of the hormone is regulated by the hypothalamus in the brain and by the pituitary gland, a tiny organ located below the brain. When the blood cortisol level falls, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which directs the pituitary gland to produce ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).
Bring a long board for the big waves and a short one for fun on small-wave days. The 1,020-foot Mariner of the Seas, a ship of the Royal Caribbean line, offers frequent surf cruises, departing from the Port of Los Angeles (Long Beach, Calif.) for a seven-day voyage arranged by Paradise-Bound.net.
A big deal: The world's newest and largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas dwarfs the Isle of Wight ferry (left) as she enters the Solent en route to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Enthusiasts flocked to the cliffs of Hampshire in the hope of catching a glimpse of the ship - not that they could miss it.