Which hormones are released from the anterior pituitary?

The anterior pituitary, also known as the adenohypophysis, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes through the secretion of several key hormones. The hormones released from the anterior pituitary include prolactin, growth hormone (GH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

Prolactin is primarily involved in milk production and lactation, GH plays a vital role in growth and metabolism, ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, TSH regulates thyroid hormone production, LH and FSH are critical for reproductive functions such as ovulation and spermatogenesis.

In contrast, cortisol and adrenaline are produced by the adrenal glands, insulin and glucagon are hormones produced by the pancreas, and oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) are synthesized in the hypothalamus and released from the posterior pituitary, not the anterior pituitary. Thus, the hormones listed in the correct answer represent the primary functions and outputs of the anterior pituitary gland.