Word parts
What it means
The front part of the pituitary gland releases this hormone in response to a signal from the hypothalamushy-poh-THAL-uh-musA small area at the base of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and many hormones.hypo- belowthalamus inner chamber (a part of the brain)Full entry , often during stress. It travels in the blood to the outer layer (cortex) of the adrenal glands, which then release cortisolKOR-tih-solA steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.Full entry . When cortisol rises, the pituitary makes less ACTH (negative feedback). Too much ACTH can cause Cushing disease; too little lowers cortisol.
For the nurse
Blood levels change through the day, highest in the morning, so the time of the blood draw matters; follow the lab's instructions. As a long-acting injected gel (Acthar Gel), it is used for infantile spasms and multiple sclerosis flares; it is given SUBQ or IM, never IV, and has steroid-like side effects.
At a glance
| Abbreviations | ACTH |
|---|---|
| Spanish | hormona adrenocorticotropa |
| Also written | ACTH, corticotropin |
Related terms
hypothalamus
A small area at the base of the brain that controls body temperature, hunger, thirst, sleep and many hormones.
cortisol
A steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands that helps control blood sugar, blood pressure, stress and inflammation.
gland
An organ or group of cells that makes and releases a substance the body uses, such as a hormone, sweat or saliva.
steroid
A fat-based chemical built from cholesterol; the group includes hormones such as cortisol and estrogen, and many drugs.