The two lobes of the pituitary gland together produce how many hormones in total?

• A. 5
• B. 9
• C. 12
• D. 7

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland has two lobes: the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis). Each lobe produces specific hormones.
2. Step 2: Identify the hormones produced by the anterior lobe. The anterior lobe produces six major hormones: growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH).
3. Step 3: Identify the hormones stored and released by the posterior lobe. The posterior lobe does not produce hormones but stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH, also called vasopressin).
4. Step 4: Add the total number of hormones produced or released by both lobes. The anterior lobe produces six hormones, and the posterior lobe releases two hormones, making a total of eight hormones.
5. Step 5: Verify the total number of hormones produced or released by the pituitary gland. Ensure that all hormones are accounted for and confirm the total number based on the biological functions of the gland.