Following a coronary artery bypass grafting, what cell type prompts cortisol secretion in response to stress?

• A. Alpha cell of the islet of Langerhans
• B. Basophil of the anterior pituitary gland
• C. Acidophil of the anterior pituitary gland
• D. Beta cell of the islet of Langerhans

Answer: (B)

The correct answer is related to the role of the basophils of the anterior pituitary gland, which secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in response to stress. This hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, a critical hormone involved in the body’s stress response.

When the body experiences stress, signals from the hypothalamus prompt the release of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). In turn, basophils in the anterior pituitary respond to CRH by secreting ACTH. Cortisol released from the adrenal glands helps to maintain homeostasis during stress by increasing blood sugar levels, suppressing the immune response, and aiding in metabolism.

The other cell types listed do not play a direct role in cortisol secretion. For instance, alpha and beta cells of the islet of Langerhans are involved in blood glucose regulation through the production of glucagon and insulin, respectively, but do not influence cortisol levels. Acidophils in the anterior pituitary typically secrete growth hormone and prolactin, which are also unrelated to cortisol secretion. Thus, understanding the specific functions of these cells clarifies why the basophils of the anterior pituitary are correctly identified as the cell type responsible for