Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released from the hypothalamus, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then acts on its target organ, the adrenal cortex.

Where does the corticotropin-releasing hormone go?

Corticotrophin-releasing hormone is given this name because it causes release of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the pituitary gland. Adrenocorticotropic hormone in turn travels in the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, where it causes the secretion of the stress hormone cortisol.

What does corticotropin do in the body?

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (corticotropin; ACTH) is a 39 amino acid peptide hormone produced by cells of the anterior pituitary gland and carried by the peripheral circulation to its effector organ, the adrenal cortex, where it stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids and, to a more modest extent, ...