Final answer:
The hormone responsible for causing the release of cortisol is ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), which is produced by the pituitary gland and activates the adrenal cortex.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone that causes cortisol to be released is adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH . ACTH is produced by the pituitary gland and signals the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids, including cortisol. This hormone plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress, influencing various physiological processes to maintain homeostasis.
ACTH is derived from a larger precursor molecule called pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which is cleaved into several active molecules. The regulation of ACTH itself is under the control of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus.
Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced in response to stress, has a wide range of effects, such as promoting the catabolism of glycogen into glucose and aiding in the maintenance of fuel supplies for the body during prolonged periods of stress.