Figure 2. Sagittal images from the exploratory analysis illustrating a positive covariation (A) between stress induced salivary cortisol levels and regional cerebral blood flow in a midbrain cluster ranging from the thalamus to the hypothalamus and extending into the brain stem pons. A negative covariation (B) was observed in the medial prefrontal cortex (Brodmann areas 9, 10, and 32) and in the motor and premotor cortices (Brodmann areas 4 and 6).