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Glite Dictionary
corticotropin

corticotropin

1 9.4
A hormone from a small gland at the brain base that tells adrenal glands to make stress hormones
  • noun
  • /ˌkɔːrtɪˈkoʊtrəpɪn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : corticotropina
  • The doctor explained that corticotropin helps regulate the body's response to stress by stimulating the adrenal glands.
  • corticotropin-releasing

Examples

  • Researchers measured corticotropin response in patients under stress.

  • Corticotropin is essential for the secretion of corticosteroids, which play a role in managing inflammation.

  • Corticotropin injections may be used in the treatment of certain hormone deficiencies.

  • The doctor explained that low corticotropin levels could affect adrenal function.

  • The corticotropin levels in her blood were unusually high.

  • Doctors measure corticotropin to assess adrenal function.

  • Research shows that elevated levels of corticotropin can lead to increased production of stress hormones in the body.

Synonyms

ACTH
vscorticotropin
  • Specialized
2 7.2

A hormone made by the front of the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal glands to make stress hormones

is the full scientific name rather than the short form
adrenocorticotrophic hormone
vscorticotropin
  • Specialized
6.9

A hormone from the front part of the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal gland to make stress hormones

is a shorter common label used instead of the full technical name
adrenocorticotropin
vscorticotropin
  • Specialized
9.4

A hormone made by a gland in the brain that tells the glands above the kidneys to release stress hormones

is the established medical term for that same hormonal action
adrenocorticotropic hormone
vscorticotropin
  • Specialized
6.6

A hormone made by a gland in the brain that tells the adrenal glands to make stress hormones

targets corticosteroids specifically not all steroid hormones
adrenocorticotrophin
vscorticotropin
  • Specialized
9.9

A hormone from the pituitary gland that tells the adrenal gland to release stress hormones

refers specifically to stimulating corticosteroid secretion rather than all hormones

Surface Forms

corticotropin singular
corticotropins plural

Morphology

corticotropin = cortex + tropin (opaque) = cortico + tropin

The components 'cortico' and 'tropin' are specialized scientific terms not commonly recognized as standalone English words.

Etymology

Corticotropin breaks into two parts: cortico- from cortex meaning 'outer layer', referring to the adrenal cortex, and -tropin meaning 'to turn' or 'to act on'. So corticotropin is a hormone that 'turns on' or stimulates the adrenal cortex to make corticosteroids.