AEMCA Practice Exam

Does the anterior pituitary gland produce hormones?

1. Yes

2. No

3. Only during puberty

4. Only in response to stress

The correct answer is: Yes

The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for producing and secreting a variety of hormones that play crucial roles in regulating several bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction. These hormones include, but are not limited to, growth hormone (GH), prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and the gonadotropins, which are follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The anterior pituitary is often referred to as the "master gland" because its hormones influence the functions of other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and gonads. The production of these hormones is a continuous process, regulated by hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones rather than being limited to specific life stages or conditions like puberty or stress. This broad function underscores the importance of the anterior pituitary in the endocrine system, making it clear that the gland does indeed produce hormones throughout life, not just in response to certain stimuli or during specific periods.