The hormone secreted by anterior pituitary gland is?

Appeared in: RUHS, Jaipur, PB B.Sc Nursing Entrance-2018

Explanation

The Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) is one of the six major hormones secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
ACTH is a tropic hormone, meaning its primary function is to stimulate another endocrine gland.
Specifically, ACTH acts on the adrenal cortex, prompting it to release glucocorticoids, most notably cortisol.
The secretion of ACTH is controlled by the hypothalamus through the release of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone (CRH).

Option A: Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, not the anterior pituitary.
Option C: Cortisol is a steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex, which is part of the adrenal gland, not the pituitary gland.
Option D: Oxytocin is secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, not the anterior pituitary.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Hormones of the Pituitary Gland as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding the origin of hormones is crucial for diagnosing endocrine disorders. For example, Cushing's syndrome can be caused by an ACTH-secreting pituitary tumor (Cushing's disease) or by an adrenal tumor secreting cortisol. Differentiating between the two requires measuring both ACTH and cortisol levels.
A nurse must be aware of the signs of pituitary dysfunction. Oversecretion of ACTH leads to symptoms of excess cortisol (weight gain, high blood pressure, mood swings), while undersecretion can lead to adrenal insufficiency (fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure).
What if? If a patient presents with symptoms of cortisol excess (Cushing's syndrome) and their ACTH level is found to be very high, the nurse should anticipate that the underlying problem is likely a pituitary tumor, not an adrenal tumor. This guides further diagnostic imaging and treatment planning.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core of the question: it asks for a hormone from the 'anterior pituitary gland'.
Mentally recall or visualize the pituitary gland and its two lobes: anterior and posterior.
Systematically review each option and its gland of origin.
Option A (Antidiuretic hormone): Recall this is a posterior pituitary hormone.
Option B (Adrenocorticotropin hormone): Recall this is a key anterior pituitary hormone.
Option C (Cortisol): Recall this is an adrenal cortex hormone.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Physiology Ganong 27e Vol 1 Part 2 p. 92-94

E6 Nursing Brunner Adult Health 3SA Vol 1 Part 4 p. 9-11

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Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.