Which pituitary hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex?

Which pituitary hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex?

• A. Growth hormone
• B. Adrenocorticotropic hormone
• C. Oxytocin
• D. Prolactin

Answer: (B)

Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex. It’s produced by the anterior pituitary in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus. When ACTH binds to receptors on adrenal cortical cells, it activates enzymes that drive the synthesis and release of glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol. This is the core of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with cortisol feeding back to reduce CRH and ACTH production. The other pituitary hormones listed do not primarily regulate the adrenal cortex—growth hormone influences growth and metabolism elsewhere, oxytocin handles reproductive and social behaviors, and prolactin promotes lactation.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex. It’s produced by the anterior pituitary in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus. When ACTH binds to receptors on adrenal cortical cells, it activates enzymes that drive the synthesis and release of glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol. This is the core of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, with cortisol feeding back to reduce CRH and ACTH production. The other pituitary hormones listed do not primarily regulate the adrenal cortex—growth hormone influences growth and metabolism elsewhere, oxytocin handles reproductive and social behaviors, and prolactin promotes lactation.