The number of major hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland is

**Core Concept**
The anterior pituitary gland is a crucial endocrine organ that regulates various bodily functions through the production and secretion of several hormones. These hormones play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis by influencing other endocrine glands, metabolism, growth, and development.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The anterior pituitary gland produces six major hormones: adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These hormones are secreted in response to the release of hypothalamic-releasing and -inhibiting hormones, which regulate the anterior pituitary's function. For instance, the release of TSH is triggered by the hypothalamic hormone thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates the anterior pituitary to produce TSH, leading to the stimulation of the thyroid gland.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because the anterior pituitary gland produces more than four hormones, as mentioned earlier.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because the anterior pituitary gland produces six major hormones, not five.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because the anterior pituitary gland produces six major hormones, not seven.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the anterior pituitary gland's function is regulated by the hypothalamus through the release of releasing and inhibiting hormones. This complex interplay between the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland is crucial for maintaining homeostasis and regulating various bodily functions.

**✓ Correct Answer: C. 6**