Final answer:
The pituitary hormone essential for the functioning of the adrenal cortex is called adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids, which are necessary for managing long-term stress and various physiological functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Pituitary Hormone Essential for Adrenal Cortex Function
The pituitary hormone that is essential to the growth, development, and continued function of the adrenal cortex is the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH is released by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a pivotal role by stimulating the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroid hormones, such as cortisol. Not only does ACTH influence the function of the adrenal cortex, but it is also crucial in the regulation of responses to long-term stress, as it prompts increased production of glucocorticoids. Furthermore, ACTH is derived from a larger precursor molecule known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which also gives rise to other biologically active molecules, including melanocyte-stimulating hormone and endorphins.
Part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, ACTH regulation is an integral aspect of the body's response to stress, affecting various physiological processes such as blood pressure, nutrient uptake, fluid balance, and inflammation. The steroid hormones produced by the adrenal cortex, like cortisol and aldosterone, are synthesized from cholesterol, a process regulated and stimulated by ACTH.