Which of the following hormones is released from the anterior pituitary?

Corticotropin, also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), is synthesized and released by the anterior pituitary. It plays a key role in regulating the stress response by stimulating the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, a hormone involved in metabolism and the body’s response to stress. The anterior pituitary is responsible for producing several important hormones that regulate various physiological functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

In contrast, oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) are produced in the hypothalamus and then transported to the posterior pituitary for release. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released from the hypothalamus and acts on the anterior pituitary to stimulate the secretion of gonadotropins, but it is not produced by the anterior pituitary itself. Thus, corticotropin is distinct for being a hormone directly released from the anterior pituitary gland.