Final answer:
The anterior pituitary gland secretes ACTH. It controls the function of the adrenal cortex, which is influenced by tropic hormones, with the hypothalamus regulating its activity. The correct answer is option 1.
Step-by-step explanation:
The endocrine gland responsible for secreting adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is the anterior pituitary. This gland, often termed the "master gland" of the endocrine system, produces several hormones, including ACTH, which is a tropic hormone because it regulates the function of other endocrine glands, specifically the adrenal cortex. The adrenal cortex, stimulated by ACTH, secretes corticosteroid hormones such as cortisol.
ACTH is derived from a predecessor molecule known as pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC), which, when cleaved, yields several biologically active molecules, including ACTH, melanocyte-stimulating hormone, and endorphins. The anterior pituitary itself is regulated by the hypothalamus, which sends releasing or inhibiting hormones via the hypophyseal portal system to control the secretion of hormones like ACTH.
The correct answer to the student's question is option 1) anterior pituitary.