Question

Hormone prolactin is secreted by
(a)Posterior pituitary
(b)Thyroid
(c)Anterior pituitary
(d)Hypothalamus

Answer 1

This gland is also known as adenohypophysis which is the main organ of the endocrine system. This gland also controls numerous physiological processes such as stress, development, procreation, and lactation.

Complete answer:
The hormone prolactin is secreted by the anterior pituitary. The hormone prolactin is named initially after its role in promoting milk production or lactation in mammals, due to which it is also called the ‘milk hormone’.
- Lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland secrete prolactin, where it is stored and discharged when it is needed.

Additional Information: -Prolactin is regulated by dopamine which is a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus. Dopamine inhibits prolactin production, which means the higher the concentration of dopamine, the lower the concentration of prolactin.
-Hyperprolactinemia is a condition of having a high concentration of prolactin circulating in the blood. During pregnancy and due to certain medications, the dopamine concentration drops in the body which is the most common cause of hyperprolactinemia.
- Hyperprolactinemia is a rare condition of having very less concentration of prolactin circulating in the blood which is commonly caused due to pituitary malfunction. Hyperprolactinemia can cause inadequate milk production after giving birth.
So, the correct answer is ‘Anterior pituitary’.

Note: -Sella turcica protects the pituitary gland, which is composed of three lobes known as the anterior, intermediate, and posterior lobes.
-There are 5 types of endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary which secretes hormones like somatotrophs, lactotrophs, etc.
- Anterior pituitary also controls homeostatic maintenance and induce hyperthermia by increasing metabolism and cutaneous vasodilation