Adrenocorticotropic
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (pronounced as ad-reno-cortico-tropic) also known as ACTH or Corticotropin, is a hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland.
Etymology
The term "Adrenocorticotropic" is derived from three words: "Adreno" referring to the adrenal glands, "cortico" referring to the cortex of these glands, and "tropic" meaning stimulating or acting on. Thus, the term refers to a hormone that stimulates the cortex of the adrenal glands.
Function
ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate metabolism and immune response. It also plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress.
Related Terms
- Cortisol: A steroid hormone, produced by the adrenal glands, that regulates a wide range of processes throughout the body, including metabolism and the immune response.
- Pituitary gland: A small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, responsible for producing and releasing a variety of hormones, including ACTH.
- Adrenal glands: Small, triangular-shaped glands located on top of both kidneys. They produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline.
- Cortex: The outer layer of the adrenal glands where cortisol is produced.
Disorders Related to ACTH
Abnormal levels of ACTH can lead to a variety of medical conditions:
- Cushing's syndrome: A condition caused by prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol.
- Addison's disease: A disorder in which the adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones.
- Adrenal insufficiency: A condition in which the adrenal glands produce insufficient amounts of cortisol and sometimes, aldosterone.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Adrenocorticotropic
- Wikipedia's article - Adrenocorticotropic
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