Prothoracicotropic hormone

Pronunciation
/proh-tho-RAH-sih-koh-TROH-pik HOR-mohn/
Category
Hormones
Singular
Prothoracicotropic hormone
Plural
Prothoracicotropic hormones

Definition

A hormone produced in the brain of insects that stimulates the prothoracic glands to produce ecdysteroids.

Etymology

From Greek 'prothorax' (meaning 'fore thorax'), 'tropic' (meaning 'turning') and 'hormone'.

Example

The release of PTTH from the brain triggers the production of ecdysteroids in the prothoracic glands, leading to molting.

Related Terms