Hormones FSH & LH of anterior pituitary gland acts on
**Core Concept**
The anterior pituitary gland secretes two crucial hormones, FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) and LH (Luteinizing Hormone), which play essential roles in regulating the reproductive axis, particularly in the gonads. FSH and LH act on specific target organs to stimulate the production of sex hormones and gametes.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
FSH and LH primarily act on the ovaries in females and the testes in males. FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, leading to estrogen production, while LH promotes ovulation and the production of progesterone. In males, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, a key hormone for spermatogenesis. The specific receptors for FSH and LH are located on the surface of the ovarian follicles and testicular Leydig cells, respectively.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** FSH and LH do not primarily act on the thyroid gland. Although thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is also secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, FSH and LH have distinct target organs and functions.
**Option B:** FSH and LH do not primarily act on the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands produce sex hormones, such as androgens and estrogens, but FSH and LH stimulate the gonads, not the adrenal glands, to produce these hormones.
**Option C:** FSH and LH do not primarily act on the pancreas. The pancreas produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon, which regulate glucose metabolism, but FSH and LH are involved in the reproductive axis.
**Option D:** FSH and LH do not primarily act on the kidneys. The kidneys regulate electrolyte balance, acid-base balance, and blood pressure, but FSH and LH stimulate the gonads for reproductive functions.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Recall the acronym FSH-LH-Testosterone-Estrogen to remember the sequence of hormonal regulation in the reproductive axis, from the anterior pituitary gland to the gonads.
**Correct Answer:** C.