Corticotrophin

/ˌkɔːtɪkəˈtroʊfɪn/ noun

Definition

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol; also called ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone).

Etymology

From cortex + Greek trophis 'nourishing' or trophe 'nutrition,' literally meaning 'cortex-nourishing.' The term was coined in the 1930s as scientists discovered this hormone's role in stimulating the adrenal cortex.

Kelly Says

Corticotrophin is like your body's alarm bell system—when stress hits, your brain releases this hormone, which tells your adrenals to pump out cortisol, creating a cascade of effects that prepare you for action.

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