Definition

Noun: 1. A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex: Adrenocorticotropin is a peptide hormone that regulates the production and secretion of cortisol and other steroids from the adrenal glands. It is a key component of the body's stress response system.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor measured the patient's adrenocorticotropin levels to assess pituitary function.
  • A tumor can cause an overproduction of adrenocorticotropin, leading to Cushing's disease.

Advanced Usage

• "ACTH stimulation test": A medical diagnostic procedure that involves administering synthetic adrenocorticotropin to evaluate adrenal gland responsiveness.
  • The endocrinologist ordered an ACTH stimulation test to check for adrenal insufficiency.

Variants and Related Words

• ACTH: The common acronym for adrenocorticotropin.
  • The lab report listed the ACTH value.
• Corticotropin: A synonym for adrenocorticotropin.
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone: The full name of the hormone.

Synonyms

• Corticotropin
• ACTH (acronym)
• Adrenocorticotropic hormone

Related Terms and Context

• Pituitary gland: The endocrine gland that secretes adrenocorticotropin.
• Adrenal cortex: The outer part of the adrenal gland that is stimulated by adrenocorticotropin.
• Cortisol: The primary steroid hormone whose release is triggered by adrenocorticotropin.

Noun

1. a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex