Which hormones are produced in the anterior pituitary?

The hormones produced in the anterior pituitary include adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH), and prolactin.

ACTH is important for stimulating the adrenal glands to release cortisol, which plays a critical role in stress response and metabolism. Growth hormone is essential for growth, cell repair, and metabolism in tissues throughout the body. Prolactin primarily regulates lactation and breast development in females, but it also has roles in reproductive health for both genders.

While the other choices contain some hormones related to the endocrine system, they include hormones that are not produced by the anterior pituitary. For instance, cortisol is produced by the adrenal cortex and is not synthesized by the anterior pituitary. Aldosterone and insulin are also produced by different glands: aldosterone by the adrenal glands and insulin by the pancreas. Thus, the combination of ACTH, GH, and prolactin accurately reflects the primary hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.