Which term describes a hormone that stimulates a target gland to release hormones?

Which term describes a hormone that stimulates a target gland to release hormones?

• A. Glucocorticoid
• B. Mineralocorticoid
• C. Thyroxine (T4)
• D. Tropic hormone

Answer: (D)

A tropic hormone describes a hormone that stimulates a target gland to release its own hormones. These signaling messengers regulate the activity of another endocrine gland, often prompting both hormone release and sometimes growth of that gland. Classic examples come from the pituitary: thyroid-stimulating hormone prompts the thyroid to release T3 and T4, adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, and FSH/LH drive the gonads to produce sex steroids. In contrast, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids act on their target tissues, not on other glands, and thyroid hormone mainly affects body tissues rather than triggering another gland to secrete.

A tropic hormone describes a hormone that stimulates a target gland to release its own hormones. These signaling messengers regulate the activity of another endocrine gland, often prompting both hormone release and sometimes growth of that gland. Classic examples come from the pituitary: thyroid-stimulating hormone prompts the thyroid to release T3 and T4, adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, and FSH/LH drive the gonads to produce sex steroids. In contrast, glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids act on their target tissues, not on other glands, and thyroid hormone mainly affects body tissues rather than triggering another gland to secrete.