Advanced Placement (AP) Biology Practice Exam

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Which organ is responsible for secreting growth hormone?

Pancreas
Adrenal glands
Anterior pituitary gland
Thyroid gland

The correct answer is: Anterior pituitary gland

The anterior pituitary gland is the organ responsible for secreting growth hormone, also known as somatotropin. This hormone plays a fundamental role in growth, metabolism, and the regulation of body composition. The anterior pituitary gland is a crucial component of the endocrine system, which controls various physiological processes through hormone release. Growth hormone acts on various tissues, including muscle and bone, promoting growth and development during childhood and adolescence, as well as playing a role in maintaining muscle mass and overall metabolic health in adults. The other organs listed do have important functions in the endocrine system, but they do not produce growth hormone. The pancreas is involved in regulating blood sugar levels through the production of insulin and glucagon. The adrenal glands produce hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which are involved in stress responses and metabolism. The thyroid gland primarily regulates metabolism through hormones like thyroxine. Thus, it is the anterior pituitary gland that is specifically identified as the source of growth hormone secretion.