Question

Which of the following glands secretes the growth hormone?
A. Thyroid
B. Hypothalamus
C. Pituitary
D. Thymus

Answer 1

Hint: Growth Hormone is a protein hormone-containing \[190\] amino acid. It is also known as Somato trophic Hormone or Somatotropin secreted from the Acidophil cells of pars distalis. It promotes the growth of the body especially bones and the muscles and also enhances protein, carbohydrate, fat, ions, and minerals metabolism. It falls under the class of trophic hormones.

Complete answer:
The Growth hormone is secreted by the Acidophil cells of Pars distalis region that is present in the Adenohypophysis part of the smallest endocrine gland: Pituitary, hence the option C is the correct answer.

Additional Information:
The thyroid gland secretes Thyroxine and Thyrocalcitonin hormone.
Hence option A is incorrect.
The hypothalamus releases certain hormones which include Growth Hormone Releasing
hormone that acts on the pituitary and stimulates the pituitary to secrete growth hormone, Growth Hormone Inhibiting Hormone, Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone, Adrenocorticotropic Releasing Hormone, Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone, Prolactin Releasing Hormone, Prolactin Inhibiting Hormone, Melanocyte Releasing Hormone, and Melanocyte Inhibiting Hormone. It stimulates the release of Growth hormone but does not release it.
Hence option B is incorrect.

The thymus gland secretes only the Thymosin hormone.
Hence option D is incorrect.

Note:
Trophic hormones are the class of hormones that are released from an endocrine gland and it stimulates the functional activities of other endocrine glands. Hypersecretion of Growth hormone can cause Gigantism (in childhood) and Acromegaly (in adult) and its hyposecretion can cause Dwarfism(in childhood) and Acromicria (in late childhood or adulthood). The Neurohypophysis(posterior part) is under the control of the hypothalamus.