Anterior pituitary gland secretes all of the following except: March 2005, March 2013
## Core Concept
The anterior pituitary gland, also known as the adenohypophysis, is a glandular part of the pituitary gland that secretes several important hormones. These hormones regulate various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproductive processes. The main hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary include Growth Hormone (GH), Prolactin (PRL), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, , refers to Oxytocin. Oxytocin is not secreted by the anterior pituitary gland; instead, it is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland (neurohypophysis). Oxytocin plays a crucial role in childbirth and lactation. It stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk letdown (milk ejection reflex) during lactation.
## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
* **Option A:** - Growth Hormone (GH) is indeed secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. GH stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans and other animals.
* **Option B:** - Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is also secreted by the anterior pituitary. ACTH stimulates the secretion of cortisol and other glucocorticoids from the adrenal cortex.
* **Option C:** - Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary as well. In females, LH triggers ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum, while in males, it stimulates the production of testosterone.
## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A key point to remember is that the posterior pituitary gland secretes Oxytocin and Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH, also known as Vasopressin), while the anterior pituitary secretes the hormones mentioned in options A, B, and C. This distinction is crucial for understanding endocrine physiology and pathology.
## Correct Answer: D. Oxytocin