Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis or HTPA axis) is a complex set of direct influences and feedback interactions among three components: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland (a pea-shaped structure located below the thalamus), and the adrenal (also called "suprarenal") glands (small, conical organs on top of the kidneys). These organs and their interactions constitute the HPA axis, a major neuroendocrine system that controls reactions to stress and regulates many body processes, including digestion, the immune system, mood and emotions, sexuality, and energy storage and expenditure. It is the common mechanism for interactions among glands, hormones, and parts of
Pituitary adenoma only, with no other associated symptoms that occur in Multiple endocrine neoplasia Type 1 or Carney complex. FIPA was first described in a limited cohort of families by group in Liège, Belgium ; later FIPA was fully characterized in a multicenter international study of 64 families. FIPA families are divided into those that are homogenous and have the same type of pituitary adenoma in all the affected family members (e.g. only acromegaly, only prolactinoma, etc) , while heterogeneous FIPA families can have different pituitary adenomas in affected family members. FIPA has two known genetic causes, mutations in the "aryl hydrocarbon