ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN Meaning and
Definition
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Adrenocorticotrophin, also commonly known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland in the brain that plays a crucial role in regulating the production and secretion of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Although mainly associated with its functions in stress response, ACTH also controls the synthesis of other essential hormones in the adrenal cortex, including aldosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone.
The production of adrenocorticotrophin is controlled by the hypothalamus through the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH stimulates the pituitary gland to release ACTH into the bloodstream, which then reaches the adrenal glands and binds to specific receptors on their surface. This interaction triggers the release of cortisol and other corticosteroids, which are crucial for regulating metabolism, immune response, and maintaining homeostasis in the body.
Alterations in adrenocorticotrophin production can have significant physiological consequences. Excess ACTH secretion can result in the overproduction of cortisol, leading to conditions such as Cushing's syndrome. Conversely, insufficient ACTH levels can cause adrenal insufficiency, known as Addison's disease, characterized by inadequate production of cortisol and other adrenal hormones.
Medical professionals may use synthetic forms of adrenocorticotrophin (synthetic ACTH) in diagnostic tests to assess the functionality of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis or as a therapeutic intervention in certain disorders, including adrenal insufficiency.
Common Misspellings for ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN
- zdrenocorticotrophin
- sdrenocorticotrophin
- wdrenocorticotrophin
- qdrenocorticotrophin
- asrenocorticotrophin
- axrenocorticotrophin
- acrenocorticotrophin
- afrenocorticotrophin
- arrenocorticotrophin
- aerenocorticotrophin
- adeenocorticotrophin
- addenocorticotrophin
- adfenocorticotrophin
- adtenocorticotrophin
- ad5enocorticotrophin
- ad4enocorticotrophin
- adrwnocorticotrophin
- adrsnocorticotrophin
- adrdnocorticotrophin
Etymology of ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN
The word "adrenocorticotrophin" has its origins in Latin and Greek.
The term consists of three main parts:
1. Adreno-: This prefix comes from the word "adrenal", which refers to the adrenal glands in the human body. The word "adrenal" itself originates from the Latin word "ad renes", meaning "near the kidneys".
2. Cortico-: This prefix is derived from the Latin word "cortex", meaning "bark" or "rind". In the context of "adrenocorticotrophin", it specifically refers to the cortex of the adrenal glands.
3. Trophin: This suffix is derived from the Greek word "trophē", meaning "nourishment" or "growth". It is often used in medical terminology to indicate a substance that promotes growth or stimulates the functioning of a particular organ or gland.
Similar spelling words for ADRENOCORTICOTROPHIN
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