Sophronia L. Gallop
What has ACTH to do with the cortisone? Here we come to our first look at the complicated relations among the endocrine glands. Endocrines are the chemical bosses of the body. Their hormones regulate the body’s activities. But each endocrine is regulated, too, and by hormones at that! Where do these hormones come from? They are secreted by the other endocrine glands and especially by the pituitary gland, which is sometimes called the master gland for this reason.
For example, among the many hormones secreted by the pituitary, there is one with the tongue-twisting name of adrenocorticotropic hormone. We get the name ACTH from the italicized letters. When ACTH reaches the adrenal cortex, it stimulates the secretion of corticoids, including cortisone.
(figure available in print form)