Which part of the pituitary gland releases hormones?

The anterior pituitary is responsible for releasing a variety of hormones that play crucial roles in regulating numerous bodily functions. This gland is also known as the adenohypophysis, and it secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream in response to signals from the hypothalamus. The hormones produced by the anterior pituitary include growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Each of these hormones has its own specific effects on target organs, influencing growth, metabolism, stress response, and reproductive functions.

While the posterior pituitary does release hormones, such as oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone), it does not produce these hormones; instead, they are synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary for storage and release. The intermediate lobe plays a less significant role in adults compared to the anterior and posterior lobes and primarily secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) during certain phases of development. The term "neural lobe" typically refers to the posterior pituitary and also does not