Question

What are the six primary hormones released from the anterior pituitary? How is the release of each of these hormones regulated by the hypothalamus?

Answer 1

The anterior pituitary releases six primary hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, melanin-stimulating hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone.

Step-by-step explanation:

The six primary hormones released from the anterior pituitary are:

1. Growth hormone (GH): Targets bones and muscles to stimulate growth and protein synthesis.
2. Prolactin (PRL): Targets mammary glands to stimulate milk production.
3. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Targets thyroid gland to stimulate the release of thyroid hormones.
4. Melanin-stimulating hormone (MSH): Targets melanocytes to regulate skin pigmentation.
5. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Targets adrenal glands to stimulate the release of cortisol.
6. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Targets ovaries and testes to stimulate gamete production.

The release of each of these hormones is regulated by the hypothalamus through the secretion of releasing or inhibiting hormones. These regulatory hormones travel to the anterior pituitary through the hypophyseal portal system and control the secretion of specific anterior pituitary hormones.