Definition

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which helps the body respond to stress.

Example

Corticotrophin plays a crucial role in regulating stress responses in the body.

Conversation

Hey, have you heard of corticotrophin?

I think I've seen that term in a biology class before.

Yeah, it's related to hormones and stress responses.

Right! It's fascinating how our body regulates everything.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Corticotrophin is formed from "cortex" (from Latin *cortex*, meaning bark or outer layer) and "trophin" (from Greek *trophē*, meaning nourishment or growth). The word refers to a substance that stimulates the outer layer of the adrenal glands to produce hormones, thus relating to nourishment or growth of the cortex.

Memory Tip

Think of 'cortex' as the outer layer that needs 'nourishment' ('trophin') — that's why corticotrophin stimulates the growth of the adrenal cortex.

Visually Confused Words