Which hormone is released by the anterior pituitary gland in response to stress?

The anterior pituitary gland plays a crucial role in the body's response to stress by secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). When the body perceives stress, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary to release ACTH. This hormone, in turn, travels through the bloodstream to the adrenal glands, prompting them to produce cortisol, a key hormone involved in the stress response.

Cortisol helps regulate metabolism, reduce inflammation, and manage how the body uses carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This cascade of hormonal responses is essential for preparing the body to handle stressful situations. Understanding the sequence – from the hypothalamus to ACTH release by the anterior pituitary and ultimately to cortisol production by the adrenal glands – is fundamental in the study of human physiology related to stress responses.

In this context, while adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) is involved in the immediate fight-or-flight response and is secreted by the adrenal medulla rather than the anterior pituitary, thyroxine from the thyroid gland and cortisol from the adrenal cortex also play roles in metabolic processes, making ACTH the hormone specifically linked to the anterior pituitary's response to stress.