Which hormones released by the pituitary regulate other endocrine glands?

• A. Growth hormone
• B. TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH, and prolactin
• C. Melatonin
• D. Oxytocin

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that certain pituitary hormones act as signals to other endocrine glands to regulate their activity. The anterior pituitary releases several hormones that target glands such as the thyroid, adrenal cortex, and gonads. Thyroid-stimulating hormone drives the thyroid to release thyroid hormones; adrenocorticotropic hormone prompts the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol; follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone regulate ovarian and testicular hormone production. Prolactin, while best known for supporting lactation, also plays a role in shaping reproductive function, influencing gonadal activity as well. Growth hormone mainly affects growth and metabolism in bones and other tissues rather than directing another endocrine gland, so it isn’t considered a regulator of an endocrine gland in the same way. Melatonin comes from the pineal gland, not the pituitary, and oxytocin, secreted from the posterior pituitary, targets the uterus and mammary glands rather than another endocrine gland.