What is the target organ of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)?

The target organ of Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) is the adrenal cortex. ACTH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in the body's stress response by stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce and secrete corticosteroids, particularly cortisol. Cortisol is vital for various physiological processes, including metabolism, immune response regulation, and stress adaptation. The interaction between ACTH and the adrenal cortex exemplifies the relationship within the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is essential for maintaining homeostasis under stress.

The thyroid gland, pancreas, and liver are not directly regulated by ACTH, which is specific to the adrenal cortex. Thus, the role of ACTH in stimulating the adrenal cortex underscores its importance in the endocrine system and the body’s response to stressors.