Which of the following lists the hormones produced by the anterior pituitary?

• A. Luteinizing Hormone, Growth Hormone, Follicle-Stimulating Hormone
• B. Oxytocin, Antidiuretic Hormone, Prolactin
• C. Calcitonin, Parathyroid Hormone, Thymosin
• D. Melatonin, Serotonin, Dopamine

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) produces several key hormones, including the gonadotropins and growth hormone. Luteinizing Hormone, Growth Hormone, and Follicle-Stimulating Hormone are all produced by the anterior pituitary, so this first list matches exactly what the gland releases. The other lists include hormones from other glands or tissues: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone come from the posterior pituitary; prolactin is from the anterior but the mixed hormones in those lists aren’t all produced there; calcitonin and parathyroid hormone come from the thyroid and parathyroid; thymosin from the thymus; melatonin from the pineal gland; and serotonin and dopamine are neurotransmitters, not produced by the anterior pituitary. So the first set is the correct one.