Which hormone is a tropic hormone that stimulates the secretion of glucocorticoids from the cortex of the adrenal glands?

• A. Luteinizing hormone (LH)
• B. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH)
• C. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
• D. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)

Answer: (C)

A substance that acts as a signal to another endocrine gland is called a tropic hormone. The hormone that fits this role for the adrenal cortex is adrenocorticotropic hormone. It’s released by the anterior pituitary in response to corticotropin-releasing hormone from the hypothalamus and travels to the adrenal cortex to stimulate the production and secretion of glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol. This system is part of the stress response and metabolic regulation, with cortisol providing negative feedback to suppress further ACTH release when levels rise.

Other options don’t target the adrenal cortex: luteinizing hormone prompts the gonads to produce sex steroids; melanocyte-stimulating hormone affects pigment and other processes; antidiuretic hormone acts on the kidneys to control water balance instead of signaling adrenal hormone release.