Dictionary > Corticotroph

Corticotroph

Definition
noun, plural: corticototrophs
The cell in the anterior pituitary that particularly releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), and lipotropin
Supplement
The pituitary gland is the master endocrine gland of the endocrine system. It is responsible for the production and the release of different hormones that regulate various physiological processes. The pituitary gland is comprised of the anterior and the posterior pituitaries bordered by pars intermedia. The anterior pituitary is the glandular portion and release hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, lactation, and stress. There are about five types of hormone-secreting cells in the anterior pituitary classified based on the hormones that they produce and secrete: (1) somatotrophs, (2) corticotrophs, (3) thyrotrophs, (4) gonadotrophs, and (5) lactotrophs.
Corticotrophs are the cells in the anterior pituitary that release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH), and lipotropin. They constitute about 20% of the anterior pituitary cells.
Corticotrophs release ACTH (also called corticotropin) in response to corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) produced by the neurosecretory cells of the hypothalamus and secreted via the hypophyseal portal system. The ACTH stimulates the adrenal gland to secrete glucocorticoids, MSH, mineralocorticoid, and androgens.
Also called:

  • corticotropic cell
  • corticotrope

See also:

  • anterior pituitary
  • hormone
  • endocrine system


  • You will also like...

    A sperm cell fertilizing an ovum
    Human Reproduction and Fertilization

    For human species to obviate extinction, reproductive mature adults should be producing viable offspring in order to con..

    human brain structure
    The Conscious & Unconscious Nervous System

    This tutorial elaborates on how the nervous system works, particularly at the tissue level of the brain. There are three..

    "Opabinia regalis"
    The Evolutionary Development of Multicellular Organisms

    Multicellular organisms evolved. The first ones were likely in the form of sponges. Multicellularity led to the evolutio..

    mRNA
    Protein Synthesis

    Part of the genetic information is devoted to the synthesis of proteins. mRNA, a type of RNA, is produced as a transcri..

    Cambial cells
    Plant Tissues

    Plant organs are comprised of tissues working together for a common function. The different types of plant tissues are m..

    Sugar Homeostasis
    Sugar Homeostasis

    The blood sugar level is regulated by two hormones. The mechanism behind this type of negative feedback control is descr..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics