Final answer:
The anterior pituitary gland secretes hormones such as Prolactin, Growth Hormone (GH), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which target organs like the mammary glands, bones and muscles, thyroid gland, adrenal cortex, and gonads respectively.
Step-by-step explanation:
The anterior pituitary gland produces several key hormones that regulate the activities of various target organs throughout the body. Here is a list of these hormones and their respective target organs:
- Prolactin (PRL): Stimulates the production of milk in the mammary glands.
- Growth Hormone (GH): Affects many tissues throughout the body, but primarily stimulates growth of bone and muscle by promoting protein synthesis and cell growth.
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones which regulate metabolism.
- Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal cortex to release corticosteroids, which are involved in stress responses and metabolism.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH): These gonadotrophins stimulate the gonads; FSH facilitates sperm maturation in males and stimulates ovarian follicle development in females while LH triggers ovulation and the production of estrogens and progestogens.
The secretion of these hormones is controlled by releasing and inhibiting hormones produced in the hypothalamus and carried to the anterior pituitary via the hypophyseal portal system. This interplay reflects the critical role of the hypothalamus-pituitary complex in endocrine regulation. A negative feedback mechanism is often in place to ensure balance within the endocrine system.