  We apply the perturbative chiral quark model (PCQM) at one loop to analyze
the axial form factor of the nucleon. This chiral quark model is based on an
effective Lagrangian, where baryons are described by relativistic valence
quarks and a perturbative cloud of Goldstone bosons as dictated by chiral
symmetry. We apply the formalism to obtain analytical expressions for the axial
form factor of the nucleon, which is given in terms of fundamental parameters
of low-energy pion-nucleon physics (weak pion decay constant, strong
pion-nucleon form factor) and of only one model parameter (radius of the
nucleonic three-quark core).
