Question

ACTH is secreted by
A. Adrenal cortex
B. Pituitary
C. Adrenal medulla
D. Thyroid

Answer 1

Hint: Adrenocorticotropic hormone is made in corticotroph cells. It is released by the anterior lobe and functions to stimulate the secretion of glucocorticoid steroid hormone.

Complete answer:
First of all, you should know what ACTH is. ACTH is Adrenocorticotropic hormone which is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and its function is to stimulate the secretion of glucocorticoid steroid hormones from the adrenal cortex. This hormone is needed for the adrenal glands to function properly and help the body to react to stress.
It regulates the hormone cortisol which is released by the adrenal gland. This hormone is used in medication and also as a diagnostic agent.

If we look at the given options:
> Option A is Adrenal cortex, Adrenal cortex secrete sex hormones not ACTH, ACTH is secreted by pituitary gland and therefore this option is incorrect and it gets eliminated.

> Option B which is Pituitary, this is the correct option since the adrenocorticotropic hormone is secreted by pituitary gland which targets the adrenal cortex to produce glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoid. Therefore, this option is the correct one.

> Option C which is Adrenal medulla, It secrete epinephrine and norepinephrine. ACTH is not secreted by adrenal medulla but it is secreted by pituitary gland and therefore this option is incorrect and it gets eliminated.

> Option D which Thyroid. It secretes thyroid hormones which are Thyroxine, triiodothyronine. These hormones target all the tissues and it stimulates the metabolic rate, growth and development. Therefore, this option is incorrect since ACTH is not secreted by thyroid and it gets eliminated.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: ACTH is Adrenocorticotropic hormone which is released by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland and these are particularly made in corticotroph cells. The level of ACTH is high in the morning and it falls throughout the day which is called a diurnal rhythm.