Corticotropin (Noun)
Meaning
A hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal cortex.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The endocrine system regulates the production of corticotropin, which plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress.
- Corticotropin levels typically follow a circadian rhythm, peaking in the early morning and decreasing at night.
- Abnormal levels of corticotropin can be an indicator of Cushing's syndrome or Addison's disease.
- The anterior pituitary gland releases corticotropin in response to signals from the hypothalamus, which is triggered by stress or low cortisol levels.
- Increased corticotropin production can lead to an overproduction of cortisol, which can have negative effects on the body's metabolism and bone density.
Synonyms
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
- Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone
- Adrenocorticotrophin
- Adrenocorticotropin
- Corticotrophin
- ACTH