Which gland secretes growth hormone?

✅ Correct Answer: C — Pituitary

The Growth Hormone (GH), also called Somatotropin, is secreted by the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) of the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a tiny, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus. It is called the "master gland" because it controls and regulates many other endocrine glands through its hormones. Growth hormone stimulates growth of bones (especially long bones like femur), muscles, and other organs. Excess GH in children causes Gigantism (abnormal height); in adults it causes Acromegaly (enlargement of hands, feet, jaw). Deficiency of GH in children causes Dwarfism (short stature).

❌ Why other options are wrong:

• A. Thyroid — The thyroid gland secretes Thyroxine (T3/T4) which regulates basal metabolic rate (BMR), and Calcitonin which lowers blood calcium. It does NOT secrete growth hormone.

• B. Adrenal — The adrenal glands (located on top of kidneys) secrete Cortisol (stress hormone), Aldosterone (regulates sodium), and Adrenaline (epinephrine - fight or flight response). Not growth hormone.

• D. Pineal — The pineal gland secretes Melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). It does NOT produce growth hormone.

📝 Important Note: Pituitary gland (Master gland) hormones — Anterior pituitary: GH (growth), TSH (thyroid), ACTH (adrenal), FSH and LH (sex organs), Prolactin (milk), MSH (melanin). Posterior pituitary: ADH/Vasopressin (water reabsorption), Oxytocin (uterine contractions, milk ejection). Pituitary is controlled by hypothalamus. Essential SSC CGL Biology topic.