ACTH,TSH,and Gonadotropins Are

Question

ACTH,TSH,and gonadotropins are
A) hypothalamic-releasing hormones.
B) secreted by the neurohypophysis.
C) "aimed at" the adrenal cortex.
D) tropic hormones.

Accepted Answer

ACTH, TSH, and gonadotropins are all tropic hormones, meaning they stimulate the production and release of other hormones by their target glands (e.g. ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol). They are not hypothalamic-releasing hormones (which are produced by the hypothalamus and stimulate the pituitary gland), nor are they secreted by the neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary gland). While ACTH is aimed at the adrenal cortex, TSH is aimed at the thyroid gland, and gonadotropins are aimed at the gonads (ovaries or testes).