Which endocrine organ responds to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)?

The adrenal cortex is the endocrine organ that responds to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and its primary function is to stimulate the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids, primarily cortisol. Cortisol plays crucial roles in regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and assisting the body in responding to stress.

This interaction is a key part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, where the release of ACTH from the pituitary gland prompts the adrenal cortex to produce and release steroid hormones. The response of the adrenal cortex is vital for maintaining homeostasis, particularly during stress responses. Because of this specific relationship, the adrenal cortex is directly linked to the action of ACTH, highlighting its essential role in the endocrine system's response to stress and other physiological demands.