Video Transcript
Which of the following is a hormone
released by the anterior pituitary gland? (A) ADH, (B) oxytocin, or (C)
growth hormone.
The pituitary gland can be found
attached at the base of the brain. This question asks us specifically
about one of the lobes of the pituitary gland, which is known as the anterior
pituitary gland. You might remember that the other
lobe of the pituitary gland is called the posterior pituitary gland. There are many hormones released by
the two lobes of the pituitary gland. Let’s review the hormones proposed
in our answer choices to find the one released by the anterior pituitary gland.
ADH, which stands for antidiuretic
hormone, is a hormone also called vasopressin. This hormone controls the
reabsorption of water by the kidneys to maintain our blood pressure. ADH is not released by the anterior
pituitary gland but by the posterior lobe of the gland.
Oxytocin is a hormone that
influences uterine contractions, lactation, and it also acts on our brain to modify
our social behaviours. Like ADH, oxytocin is released by
the posterior pituitary gland, not by the anterior lobe.
Growth hormone, however, is
released by the anterior pituitary gland. It stimulates the growth and
regeneration of almost all our body tissues.
Therefore, our correct answer is
(C) growth hormone.
