Question

Which of the following hormones are produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary?
A. FSH and LH
B. ADH and oxytocin
C. TSH and STH
D. ACTH and MSH

Answer 1

Hormones are chemicals secreted directly into the bloodstream by specialized glands called endocrine glands. Hormones help in regulating various functions in our body like metabolism, regulation of blood sugar, growth and emergency responses. Some hormones are secreted by endocrine glands and carried by the blood to other locations to be stored and secreted when required.

Complete answer:
Option (a) is incorrect. FSH and LH are Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone respectively. They are secreted by the anterior part of the pituitary gland. FSH helps to regulate the menstrual cycle in women by stimulating the ovarian follicles to produce ovum or the egg. In men, FSH helps in the production of sperms. LH in females is responsible for the process of ovulation, while in men LH stimulates the formation of testosterone.
Option (b) is correct. ADH and Oxytocin are secreted from the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary. Oxytocin is responsible for milk secretion from the milk glands in the breast. It also helps in uterus contraction during childbirth. ADH or Antidiuretic Hormone helps in reabsorption of water in the collecting tubules of the kidney, thereby regulating the amount of urine passed. ADH is also known as Vasopressin.
Option (c) is incorrect. TSH is Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. It is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete Thyroxine and Triiodothyronine. TSH regulates basal metabolic rate of the body and STH is Somatotropic Hormone or Growth Hormone. It is secreted from the cells of the anterior pituitary gland and helps in growth.
Option (d) is incorrect. ACTH is also known as the Adrenocorticotropic Hormone. It is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland and helps in secretion of glucocorticoid hormones from the adrenal gland. MSH or Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone is secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. MSH stimulates the production of melanin in cells of hair and skin.

Hence, the correct answer is option (B).

Note: Hormones are secreted from endocrine glands. They are secreted in minute quantities and act on target glands, which are generally located at distant places. ADH and Oxytocin are secreted from the hypothalamus and carried to the posterior pituitary gland to be stored temporarily. They are secreted as and when required from the posterior pituitary to affect the target glands.