Which of the following hormones is produced by the anterior pituitary gland?

The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for producing and releasing several key hormones that regulate various bodily functions. One of these hormones is adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which plays a crucial role in stimulating the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, a hormone involved in stress response, metabolism, and immune function.

ACTH is directly synthesized in the anterior pituitary gland, which is a major part of the endocrine system. Its production is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which illustrates the connection between the brain and hormonal regulation. This axis is essential for the body's response to stress among other functions.

In contrast, anti-diuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin are produced in the hypothalamus and then transported to the posterior pituitary for storage and release. Dopamine, while important in many physiological processes, functions primarily as a neurotransmitter in the brain rather than being produced in the pituitary gland. This distinction is crucial for understanding the roles and origins of the various hormones involved in the endocrine system.