anterior pituitary hormone
Quick Summary
The anterior pituitary gland, often called the "master gland," secretes several crucial hormones that regulate other endocrine glands and tissues. These hormones include:
- Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and other hormones.1
- Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): Promotes the development of ovarian follicles in females and sperm production in males.2
- Luteinizing hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation and corpus luteum formation in females, and stimulates testosterone production in males.3
- Thyrotropin (TSH): Regulates the thyroid gland, increasing its hormone secretion.45
- Growth hormone (GH): Essential for growth in children and tissue maintenance in adults.6
- Prolactin: Stimulates milk production.6
These hormones are proteins or polypeptides synthesized in the anterior pituitary and released into the bloodstream, with their secretion tightly regulated by the hypothalamus.46
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