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Which hormones are released from the anterior pituitary gland?

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Diagram showing the locations of major human endocrine glands in male and female bodies, including pineal gland, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, parathyroid glands, thyroid gland, thymus, adrenal glands, pancreas, kidneys, testes, and ovaries. — Endocrine system The glands of the human endocrine system.

The anterior pituitary gland, also known as the adenohypophysis, secretes several vital protein and polypeptide hormones that regulate various physiological processes. These hormones are synthesized by specific cell types within the gland.123

The primary hormones released from the anterior pituitary include:

Thyrotropin (TSH): Also known as thyroid-stimulating hormone, it is secreted by thyrotrophs and stimulates the production of thyroid hormone.13
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Also called corticotropin, it is secreted by corticotrophs and stimulates the production of cortisol and androgenic hormones by the adrenal cortex.13
Gonadotropins: Secreted by gonadotrophs, these include:
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Stimulates the growth of egg cells in the ovaries and sperm production in the testes.13
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): Stimulates the production of sex hormones in the gonads.13
Growth hormone (GH): Secreted by somatotrophs, it promotes linear growth in children and maintains bone and other tissues in adults.13
Prolactin: Secreted by lactotrophs, it stimulates milk production.13

Additionally, the pituitary gland produces melanotropin (MSH).4