Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), also known as thyrotrophin, is a human hormone that is synthesized and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland (an endocrine gland in the human body).
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone is synthesized and stored in the thyrotrophe cells in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which is called the "adenohypophysis". Its main function is to stimulate the thyroid gland to release two of its own hormones into the bloodstream. These two hormones are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
Synthesis of thyroid stimulating hormone is controlled by thyrotrophin-releasing hormone. The other factor that regulates the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone present in the body is the negative feedback mechanism involving the influence of the thyroid hormones themselves.
See also: What is a Hormone ?
For further general information including the locations of the endocrine glands, see the Endocrine Glands of the Human Body.
- Introduction to the Endocrine System
- What is a hormone ?
- Water Soluble Hormones vs Fat Soluble Hormones
- Triggers for Hormone Release
- Hormone Regulation Feedback Mechanism
- Major Glands of the Endocrine System
- The Pituitary Gland
- The Adrenal Glands
- Non-endocrine tissues that release hormones
- Conditions of the Endocrine System
- Diabetes
