Final answer:
ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroid hormones such as cortisol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also called corticotropin, stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroid hormones such as cortisol. ACTH is produced from a precursor molecule known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). This hormone regulates various functions in the body, including metabolism, immune response, and stress response.