What gland secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)?

The gland that secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is the anterior pituitary. TSH plays a crucial role in regulating the thyroid gland's function, stimulating it to produce hormones such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). This hormone is vital for metabolism, growth, and development in the body.

The anterior pituitary is part of the endocrine system and is responsible for producing several key hormones that control various bodily functions. It releases TSH in response to thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus, thereby playing a central role in maintaining thyroid hormone levels within the body.

In contrast, the thyroid gland itself does not produce TSH; rather, it is the target of TSH produced by the anterior pituitary. The adrenal gland is involved in producing hormones related to stress response, and the posterior pituitary primarily releases hormones such as oxytocin and vasopressin, which do not include TSH. Understanding the specific functions and interrelationships of these glands is essential in comprehending the endocrine system's complexities.