The anterior pituitary gland is often called the “master gland” because it regulates several critical physiological processes. Understanding which hormones it secretes, their full forms, and functions is essential for NEET, class 11–12 biology, and medical entrance exams.
In this article, we cover:
- List of hormones produced by the anterior pituitary
- Mnemonics to remember them easily
- Full forms, functions, and NEET-level MCQs
- Tables and FAQs for clarity
What Is the Anterior Pituitary?
The anterior pituitary (also known as adenohypophysis) is the front lobe of the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain. It secretes hormones that control:
- Growth
- Reproduction
- Thyroid function
- Stress response
- Milk production
Trick to Remember Anterior Pituitary Hormones
🧠Mnemonic:
“Green Parrot Tickles And Make Fake Looks”
Breakdown:
| Code Word | Hormone | Full Form |
|---|---|---|
| Green | GH | Growth Hormone |
| Parrot | Prolactin | Prolactin |
| Tickles | TSH | Thyroid Stimulating Hormone |
| And | ACTH | Adrenocorticotropic Hormone |
| Make | MSH | Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone |
| Fake | FSH | Follicle Stimulating Hormone |
| Looks | LH | Luteinizing Hormone |
List of Hormones from Anterior Pituitary
1. Growth Hormone (GH)
- Stimulates body growth, especially bones and muscles
- Regulates metabolism
🩺 Deficiency → Dwarfism
🩺 Excess → Gigantism (children), Acromegaly (adults)
2. Prolactin (PRL)
- Stimulates milk production in females after childbirth
💡 Fun Fact: High PRL can suppress menstruation and fertility temporarily.
3. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroxine (T₄)
🩺 Imbalance can lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
4. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
- Stimulates the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol and other glucocorticoids
💪 Key for stress response, immune modulation, and glucose metabolism
5. Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)
- Affects skin pigmentation
- Increases melanin production in melanocytes
🧬 More active in early life or specific disorders
6. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- In females: Stimulates ovarian follicle growth
- In males: Stimulates sperm production
🎯 Crucial for reproduction
7. Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- In females: Triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum
- In males: Stimulates testosterone production
🧠FSH + LH = Gonadotropins
Table Summary: Anterior Pituitary Hormones
| Hormone | Function | Target Organ |
|---|---|---|
| GH | Growth & metabolism | Bones, tissues |
| PRL | Milk production | Mammary glands |
| TSH | Stimulates thyroxine secretion | Thyroid |
| ACTH | Stimulates cortisol production | Adrenal cortex |
| MSH | Increases skin pigmentation | Melanocytes |
| FSH | Gamete formation | Ovaries/Testes |
| LH | Triggers ovulation/testosterone | Ovaries/Testes |
How to Differentiate Anterior vs Posterior Pituitary Hormones?
🧠Anterior (7 hormones): GH, PRL, TSH, ACTH, MSH, FSH, LH
🧠Posterior (2 hormones): ADH (Vasopressin) and Oxytocin
💡 Tip: Posterior stores and releases hormones made by the hypothalamus.
NEET and Board Exam Questions
Q1. Which hormone regulates the activity of the adrenal cortex?
A1. ACTHQ2. What are the two gonadotropic hormones?
A2. FSH and LHQ3. What does excess growth hormone cause in adults?
A3. AcromegalyFAQs: Anterior Pituitary Hormones
Q1. What controls the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones?
A1. The hypothalamus via releasing and inhibiting hormones.Q2. Is prolactin only present in females?
A2. No, it's present in males too but in smaller amounts.Q3. What happens if LH is absent in males?
A3. Reduced testosterone → infertility and delayed puberty.
