Final answer:
The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), also known as corticotropin, is a hormone that stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids, including cortisol, and is essential for the body's stress response.
Step-by-step explanation:
Another name for adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is corticotropin. This hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in stimulating the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroid hormones, which include cortisol. ACTH is synthesized from a precursor molecule known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which also gives rise to other biologically active molecules.
The release of ACTH is induced by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) from the hypothalamus and is part of the body's response to physical or psychological stress. In the regulation of hormone production, especially during prolonged stress, ACTH is influential in maintaining homeostasis by influencing the release of corticosteroids, which are vital for many metabolic processes.