AEMCA Practice Exam

Which hormone is responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol?

1. Thyroid-stimulating hormone

2. Adrenocorticotropic hormone

3. Follicle-stimulating hormone

4. Luteinizing hormone

The correct answer is: Adrenocorticotropic hormone

The hormone responsible for stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol is adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress. When the hypothalamus detects stress, it releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete ACTH. This hormone then travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal cortex, where it prompts the synthesis and release of cortisol, a hormone that is vital for metabolism, immune response regulation, and stress management. Understanding the role of ACTH is essential, as cortisol is often referred to as the "stress hormone," and its levels can indicate how the body is coping with stress. The other hormones listed, such as thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone, are primarily involved in regulating thyroid function and reproductive processes, respectively, and do not have a direct role in stimulating cortisol production from the adrenal cortex.