The hypothalamus is located in the brain, directly above the pituitary gland. The adrenal glands are located in the lower back, one atop each kidney.
Source: Adinoff, B., et al. Disturbances of the stress response: The role of the HPA axis during alcohol withdrawal and abstinence. Alcohol Health & Research World 22(1):67–72, 1998.
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Prepared: February 2001