Which of the following hormones is secreted by the hypothalamus?

• A. Growth hormone (GH)
• B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• C. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)
• D. Prolactin

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of the hypothalamus in the endocrine system. The hypothalamus is a key regulatory center in the brain that controls various physiological processes, including hormone secretion. It produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that regulate the activity of the pituitary gland.
2. Step 2: Identify the hormones listed in the question and their sources. Growth hormone (GH) and prolactin are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, while thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is also secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), however, is secreted by the hypothalamus.
3. Step 3: Recall the function of CRH. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) is released by the hypothalamus to stimulate the anterior pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which in turn stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
4. Step 4: Eliminate the incorrect options based on their sources. Since GH, TSH, and prolactin are secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, they cannot be correct answers to the question asking for a hormone secreted by the hypothalamus.
5. Step 5: Confirm that CRH is the correct answer. CRH is the only hormone listed that is secreted by the hypothalamus, making it the correct choice.