Which gland secretes ACTH in the body's stress response?

• A. Adrenal gland
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Thyroid gland
• D. Pancreas

Answer: (B)

ACTH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland as part of the body's stress response. When stress is detected, the hypothalamus releases corticotropin-releasing hormone, signaling the pituitary to secrete ACTH. This ACTH then travels to the adrenal cortex and stimulates cortisol release, which helps mobilize energy, modulate the immune response, and maintain blood pressure during stress. Cortisol provides negative feedback to the hypothalamus and pituitary to slow further ACTH production, keeping the system balanced. The adrenal gland is the target of ACTH, not the source, and it does not produce ACTH itself. The thyroid gland and pancreas do not secrete ACTH; they secrete thyroid hormones and insulin/glucagon, respectively.