Which gland synthesizes corticosteroids when stimulated by ACTH?

Which gland synthesizes corticosteroids when stimulated by ACTH?

• A. Pituitary
• B. Adrenal cortex
• C. Thyroid
• D. Adrenal medulla

Answer: (B)

ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex, the outer part of the adrenal gland. When stimulated, the cortex increases production of corticosteroids, especially the glucocorticoid cortisol. The other glands don’t do this: the pituitary makes ACTH but does not itself synthesize corticosteroids, the thyroid makes thyroid hormones, and the adrenal medulla makes catecholamines like adrenaline. So the gland that synthesizes corticosteroids in response to ACTH is the adrenal cortex.

ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex, the outer part of the adrenal gland. When stimulated, the cortex increases production of corticosteroids, especially the glucocorticoid cortisol. The other glands don’t do this: the pituitary makes ACTH but does not itself synthesize corticosteroids, the thyroid makes thyroid hormones, and the adrenal medulla makes catecholamines like adrenaline. So the gland that synthesizes corticosteroids in response to ACTH is the adrenal cortex.