Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (pronounced as ad-reno-cortico-tropic hormone), also known as ACTH or Corticotropin, is a Polypeptide hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Its primary function is to stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol, a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress.

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. Hence, the term literally means "stimulating the cortex of the adrenal glands".

Function

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol. This process is part of the body's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, which is activated in response to stress. Cortisol helps to maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function, slow the immune system's inflammatory response, balance the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy, and regulate the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Related Terms

• Cortisol
• Adrenal gland
• Polypeptide
• Steroid hormone
• Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis

See Also

• Endocrine system
• Pituitary gland
• Stress

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
• Wikipedia's article - Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

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