Five specialized endocrine cells found within the anterior pituitary produce the stimulatory hormones targeted for specific functions. These cell types and the hormones they secrete are listed in the table below. The adenohypophysis is responsible for the production and secretion of multiple hormones that are essential to normal physiologic function.
Table 3: Specialized Endocrine Cells in the Anterior Pituitary | Cell Type | Primary Function |
| Somatotrophs | Secrete Growth Hormone (GH) |
| Mammotrophs or Lactotrophs | Secrete Prolactin (PRL) |
| Thyrotrophs | Secrete Thyrotropin (TSH) |
| Gonadotrophs | Secrete Gonadotropins (FSH and LH) |
| Corticotrophs | Secrete Adrenocorticotropin Hormone (ACTH) and β-Lipotropin (β-LPH) |
