All of the following are hormones of the anterior pituitary gland, except?

Central Institute of Psychiatry - 9 July 2022

Applied Physiology

Easy

Appeared in: Central Institute of Psychiatry - 9 July 2022

Explanation

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH) is the correct answer as it is not secreted by the anterior pituitary gland.
ADH is synthesized by the hypothalamus and is then stored and released by the posterior pituitary gland (neurohypophysis).
Its primary role is to control the body's water balance by acting on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption.

Option A: Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is incorrect because it is a key hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary.
Option B: Growth Hormone (GH) is incorrect because it is one of the primary hormones produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary.
Option D: Prolactin is incorrect because it is a hormone produced and secreted by the anterior pituitary, primarily involved in lactation.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormones of the anterior and posterior pituitary gland as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the origin of pituitary hormones is crucial for nurses to recognize signs of specific endocrine disorders. For example, symptoms of water imbalance (like excessive thirst and urination) point towards issues with posterior pituitary ADH, as seen in Diabetes Insipidus.
Growth abnormalities in children or adults (acromegaly) suggest a problem with anterior pituitary GH secretion.
What if? If a patient has a tumor destroying the posterior pituitary, the nurse would anticipate signs of ADH deficiency (Diabetes Insipidus). This includes monitoring for massive urine output (polyuria), extreme thirst (polydipsia), and signs of dehydration, and preparing to administer hormone replacement like desmopressin.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the negative keyword 'except' in the question. This signals that you need to find the option that does not fit the category described (hormones of the anterior pituitary).
Next, recall the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary. A common mnemonic is 'FLAT PEG': Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), Prolactin, Endorphins, and Growth hormone (GH).
Evaluate each option against this list. TSH, GH, and Prolactin are all part of the anterior pituitary hormones.
Identify ADH as the outlier. Recall that ADH (along with Oxytocin) is released from the posterior pituitary.
Conclude that ADH is the hormone that is the exception, making it the correct answer.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Pharmacology Katzung 16e p. 1042-1044

E6 Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics(2024) — Volume 2 pp. 1164-1166, 1163-1165