LH is secreted by
**Core Concept**
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is a gonadotropin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, playing a crucial role in the regulation of the reproductive system. LH is responsible for stimulating the production of testosterone in males and the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in females.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
LH secretion is primarily regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary gland to release LH. In turn, LH acts on the gonads to stimulate the production of sex hormones. In males, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, while in females, LH stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This is incorrect as LH is not secreted by the thyroid gland, which secretes hormones involved in metabolism regulation.
**Option B:** This is incorrect as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a different gonadotropin hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, primarily responsible for stimulating the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles in females.
**Option C:** This is incorrect as growth hormone (GH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, but its primary function is to regulate growth and metabolism.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
LH surge is a critical event in the menstrual cycle, occurring just before ovulation, where a sudden increase in LH secretion triggers the release of an oocyte from the ovarian follicle.
**Correct Answer:** D. The anterior pituitary gland.