CORTICOTROPHIN Meaning and
Definition
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Corticotrophin, also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is a hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland situated at the base of the brain. It is a peptide hormone consisting of 39 amino acids. The secretion of corticotrophin is regulated by the hypothalamus through the release of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH).
Corticotrophin plays a crucial role in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is responsible for the body's response to stress. Its primary function is to stimulate the synthesis and release of cortisol, a vital stress hormone, by the adrenal glands. When released into the bloodstream, corticotrophin travels to the adrenal cortex, where it binds to specific receptors on the outer layer of the adrenal glands, leading to the secretion of cortisol.
In addition to stress response, corticotrophin is involved in various physiological processes, including the regulation of blood pressure, metabolism, immune response, and anti-inflammatory actions. It also influences the synthesis of other hormones such as aldosterone, which helps maintain fluid balance and electrolyte levels in the body.
Abnormal levels of corticotrophin can be indicative of certain health conditions. Increased production, for instance, may result from conditions such as Cushing's disease or ectopic ACTH syndrome, while decreased levels may be observed in conditions like Addison's disease or hypopituitarism.
In summary, corticotrophin is a hormone that regulates the body's response to stress by stimulating the synthesis and release of cortisol. It acts as a crucial component of the HPA axis and is involved in various physiological processes.
Common Misspellings for CORTICOTROPHIN
- xorticotrophin
- vorticotrophin
- forticotrophin
- dorticotrophin
- cirticotrophin
- ckrticotrophin
- clrticotrophin
- cprticotrophin
- c0rticotrophin
- c9rticotrophin
- coeticotrophin
- codticotrophin
- cofticotrophin
- cotticotrophin
- co5ticotrophin
- co4ticotrophin
- corricotrophin
- corficotrophin
- corgicotrophin
Etymology of CORTICOTROPHIN
The word "corticotrophin" comes from the combination of two root words: "cortico" and "trophin".
1. "Cortico": This root is derived from the word "cortex", which refers to the outer layer of an organ, in this case, specifically the adrenal glands. The term "cortico-" is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate something related to the cortex.
2. "Trophin": This root derives from the Greek word "trophē", meaning "nourishment" or "food". In medical terminology, "-trophin" is used to describe hormones or factors that stimulate the growth, function, or regulation of a particular organ or tissue.
Similar spelling words for CORTICOTROPHIN
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