TSH is produced by which gland?

TSH is produced by which gland?

• A. Hypothalamus
• B. Pituitary gland
• C. Adrenal cortex
• D. Thyroid

Answer: (B)

TSH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland, specifically by thyrotroph cells in that lobe. This is part of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis: the hypothalamus releases TRH, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete TSH. TSH then acts on the thyroid gland to boost production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which provide negative feedback to both the pituitary and hypothalamus to regulate further TSH release. The adrenal cortex and the thyroid gland itself produce different hormones (like cortisol, aldosterone, and thyroid hormones), and the posterior pituitary does not make TSH.

TSH is produced by the anterior pituitary gland, specifically by thyrotroph cells in that lobe. This is part of the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis: the hypothalamus releases TRH, which stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete TSH. TSH then acts on the thyroid gland to boost production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which provide negative feedback to both the pituitary and hypothalamus to regulate further TSH release. The adrenal cortex and the thyroid gland itself produce different hormones (like cortisol, aldosterone, and thyroid hormones), and the posterior pituitary does not make TSH.