Question

List the hormones secreted by the pituitary.

Answer 1

It plays an important role in regulating the functions of various other endocrine glands and it also maintains overall hormone levels in the blood. It is a pea-sized endocrine gland that is situated in the middle of the skull base and kept protected within a bony cavity called the sella turcica.

Complete step by step answer:
There are four types of hormones that are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland that control the functions of other endocrine glands. These hormones include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormones (LH). Additionally, the anterior lobe secretes two more hormones that have direct effects on specific organs. These hormones can also include the growth hormone (GH) or somatotropic hormone (STH) and prolactin.
With respect to the posterior pituitary gland, two different hormones are also there, namely oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH), are stored there.

Additional information:
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) – It is a glycoprotein that is responsible for the production and secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones play a major role in regulating metabolism, nervous system activities, energy homeostasis, and growth.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) – It stimulates the adrenal gland to release stress hormones, especially cortisol. Under stressful conditions, cortisol is released in high amounts in the blood and regulates the body’s reaction to stress.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormones (LH) – These hormones are collectively known as gonadotropins, which stimulate the ovary to release estrogen and progesterone and the testes to release testosterone.
Growth hormone (GH) – It is also called somatotropin or human growth hormone, peptide hormone secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
Prolactin – This hormone stimulates the mammary glands to produce milk after childbirth. A high prolactin level can affect the functions of the ovary and testes.
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) – This hormone is also called vasopressin. It helps to control the water retention by the kidney and it also regulates fluid balance and mineral concentration in the body.
Oxytocin – This hormone responsible for the uterine contraction, which is essential during the delivery of a baby. It also stimulates milk secretion during breastfeeding.

Note: Distinct from the anterior and posterior lobes, the intermediate part that connects the two lobes secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone, which stimulates melanin production in the skin. It also regulates appetite and sex drive.