Final answer:
The hormone released in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which acts on the adrenal cortex, is adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates the production of corticosteroids from the adrenal cortex, crucial for the body's response to stress and various other metabolic processes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The hormone stimulated for release by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) that targets the adrenal cortex is the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). CRH is produced in the hypothalamus and upon its release, it triggers the anterior pituitary gland to secrete ACTH. In turn, ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce and release corticosteroids, including both glucocorticoids like cortisol and mineralocorticoids like aldosterone. These hormones play a crucial role in the body’s response to stress and in the regulation of metabolism, blood pressure, and immune system function.
ACTH originates from a larger precursor molecule known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which can be cleaved to produce several active molecules. When the body is under stress, the hypothalamus's release of CRH increases, leading to a higher secretion of ACTH by the pituitary, which subsequently causes the adrenal cortex to secrete more corticosteroids. The increased corticosteroid levels help the body to manage stress through various physiological changes, including the metabolism of fats and glucose, suppression of inflammation, and regulation of blood pressure.
The release of these hormones is tightly regulated by a feedback mechanism. When levels of cortisol (a type of glucocorticoid) rise too high, they signal the hypothalamus and pituitary gland to reduce the secretion of CRH and ACTH, maintaining hormonal balance.