Which hormone is secreted by the hypothalamus to stimulate the pituitary gland to release ACTH?

Study for the NCLEX with quiz on the Endocrine System. Engage with multiple choice questions, detailed explanations, and tips for success. Prepare for your NCLEX exam!

Multiple Choice

Which hormone is secreted by the hypothalamus to stimulate the pituitary gland to release ACTH?

The key idea here is how the hypothalamus regulates the pituitary to control adrenal function. The hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone, which acts on the anterior pituitary to trigger the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH then stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, with cortisol feeding back to dampen further CRH and ACTH release.

Other hypothalamic signals control different axes: growth hormone-releasing hormone stimulates growth hormone, gonadotropin-releasing hormone regulates FSH and LH, and prolactin-inhibiting hormone (dopamine) suppresses prolactin. None of these directly trigger ACTH release, so corticotropin-releasing hormone is the correct choice.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy