Which of the following hormones is NOT produced by the anterior pituitary gland?

Oxytocin is the hormone that is not produced by the anterior pituitary gland. Instead, it is synthesized in the hypothalamus and then transported to the posterior pituitary gland, where it is stored and released into the bloodstream.

The anterior pituitary gland, also known as the adenohypophysis, is responsible for producing several key hormones that regulate various bodily functions. Prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and growth hormone are all secreted by the anterior pituitary. Prolactin plays a vital role in lactation and breast development, thyroid-stimulating hormone regulates thyroid function and metabolism, and growth hormone is crucial for growth, cell repair, and metabolism.

In summary, understanding that oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus rather than the anterior pituitary is essential, as it highlights the distinction between the hormones secreted by the anterior and posterior pituitary gland.