Final answer:
The statement is false; Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) does not stimulate the secretion of sex hormones but regulates the secretion of thyroid hormones. Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), released from the pituitary gland, are responsible for stimulating the production of sex hormones in the gonads.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete sex hormones is false. TSH is involved in the regulation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), in response to TSH. These hormones are critical for regulating metabolism, growth, and development. On the other hand, sex hormones, like testosterone and estrogen, are primarily produced by the testes and ovaries, and their production is stimulated by different pituitary hormones — luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
At puberty, the hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which signals the anterior pituitary gland to release FSH and LH. These hormones are crucial for sexual development and reproductive function. LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone in males, and the ovaries to secrete estrogen in females. Therefore, while TSH is vital for thyroid function, it does not directly stimulate the secretion of sex hormones.