Adrenocorticotrophic

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Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (pronounced as ad-reno-cortico-trophic hormone), also known as ACTH or corticotropin, is a hormone produced and released by the pituitary gland. The term "adrenocorticotrophic" is derived from the Greek words "adrenes" (meaning adrenal glands), "cortico" (referring to the cortex of the adrenal glands), and "trophic" (meaning nourishing or stimulating).

Function

ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release cortisol, a steroid hormone that plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. It also helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function, slows the immune system's inflammatory response, balances the effects of insulin in breaking down sugar for energy, and regulates the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.

Production and Regulation

The production and release of ACTH are regulated by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that links the nervous system to the endocrine system through the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus produces corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH.

Related Terms

  • Cortisol: A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex in response to ACTH. It plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress.
  • Pituitary gland: A small gland located at the base of the brain that produces and releases ACTH.
  • Adrenal cortex: The outer layer of the adrenal glands, which produces cortisol in response to ACTH.
  • Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that regulates the production and release of ACTH.

External links

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