Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH)
Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH), also known as adrenocorticotrophin, and corticotrophin, is a human hormone that is synthesized, stored, and released by the anterior pituitary gland , an endocrine gland in the human body.
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone is released in response to stress and controls the secretion of corticosteroid hormones from the adrenal gland, which include corticosteroids such as:
- mineral corticoids
- glucocorticoids
- cortisol (natural anti-inflammatory)
- androgens
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
More about the Endocrine System
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- What is a hormone ?
- Water Soluble Hormones vs Fat Soluble Hormones
- Triggers for Hormone Release
- Hormone Regulation Feedback Mechanism
- Major Glands of the Endocrine System
- The Pituitary Gland
- The Adrenal Glands
- Non-endocrine tissues that release hormones
- Conditions of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes
