What does ACH mean in PHYSIOLOGY

Adrenal Cortex

The adrenal cortex is a layer of cells found on top of the adrenal glands, which are located just above each kidney. This area is responsible for producing hormones that help regulate metabolism, respiration, digestion and development. The outermost layer of the cortex produces three major classes of steroid hormones — mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and sex hormones. These hormones are collectively known as adrenocortical hormones or ACH.

Functions Of ACH

The three classes of steroids produced by the adrenal cortex (mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids and male/female sex hormones) all have unique functions that help maintain homeostasis in the body. Mineralocorticoids are responsible for regulating water and salt levels in the body; they also play a role in blood pressure regulation by affecting sodium reabsorption into cells from urine within the kidneys. Glucocorticoids help regulate energy metabolism by promoting glucose production from proteins used for energy; they also suppress inflammation response to prevent tissue damage during injury or infection. The final class—male/female sex hormones—help regulate sexual development, reproduction and bone health in both sexes.

Types Of ACH

ACH includes many different types of hormones that work together to keep us healthy. Cortisol is one such hormone; it helps with energy production and helps our bodies respond to stress or low glucose levels by inducing gluconeogenesis (the production of new glucose molecules). Aldosterone is another mineralcorticoid hormone produced by ACH; it helps regulate electrolyte balance (sodium concentration) in our fluids outside cells through its action on renal tubules (part of kidneys). Other types of ACH include DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), DHT (dihydrotestosterone) and testosterone for males; estradiol, estriol and progesterone for females; and corticosterone for both males & females alike.