Which hormone from the pituitary stimulates cortisol release from the adrenal cortex in response to stress?

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Multiple Choice

Which hormone from the pituitary stimulates cortisol release from the adrenal cortex in response to stress?

When the body faces stress, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary to release a specific ACTH hormone. ACTH then travels to the adrenal cortex and stimulates the production and release of cortisol. Mechanistically, ACTH binds its receptor on adrenal cortex cells, raising cAMP inside those cells, which activates enzymes that convert cholesterol into cortisol. This cortisol helps mobilize energy and modulate the stress response, and its levels are kept in check by negative feedback: cortisol feeds back to suppress CRH and ACTH production. The other hormones listed do not trigger cortisol release. Antidiuretic hormone mainly regulates water balance, thyroid-stimulating hormone controls thyroid hormone production, and follicle-stimulating hormone influences the gonads. The one that directly prompts cortisol synthesis in response to stress is ACTH.

When the body faces stress, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary to release a specific ACTH hormone. ACTH then travels to the adrenal cortex and stimulates the production and release of cortisol. Mechanistically, ACTH binds its receptor on adrenal cortex cells, raising cAMP inside those cells, which activates enzymes that convert cholesterol into cortisol. This cortisol helps mobilize energy and modulate the stress response, and its levels are kept in check by negative feedback: cortisol feeds back to suppress CRH and ACTH production.

The other hormones listed do not trigger cortisol release. Antidiuretic hormone mainly regulates water balance, thyroid-stimulating hormone controls thyroid hormone production, and follicle-stimulating hormone influences the gonads. The one that directly prompts cortisol synthesis in response to stress is ACTH.

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