Question

Which of the following is incorrectly paired? a. prolactin ... mammary glands b. ADH ... ovaries c. oxytocin ... mammary glands d. ACTH ... adrenal cortex

Short answer

ADH ... ovaries

Step-by-step solution

- Review the Functions

Understand the primary functions of each hormone and the organ or gland they primarily affect. This helps identify which pair might be incorrect.

- Prolactin and Mammary Glands

Prolactin primarily stimulates milk production in the mammary glands. This pair is correctly matched.

- ADH and Ovaries

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) primarily affects the kidneys by promoting water reabsorption. It does not have a direct function related to the ovaries. This pair is incorrectly matched.

- Oxytocin and Mammary Glands

Oxytocin stimulates the contraction of the mammary glands for the release of milk. This pair is correctly matched.

- ACTH and Adrenal Cortex

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) primarily stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol. This pair is correctly matched.

Key concepts

Prolactin

Prolactin is a hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It plays a crucial role in lactation. The primary function of prolactin is to stimulate the mammary glands to produce milk after childbirth. This makes it vital for breastfeeding.
However, prolactin has other roles too. It can affect fertility, the immune system, and has over 300 functions in the body. It's interesting that men also have prolactin, although in smaller amounts.
When studying prolactin, remember its main link to the mammary glands. Hence, the pair 'prolactin ... mammary glands' is correct.

Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is released by the posterior pituitary gland. Its main function is to help kidneys manage the amount of water in the body. ADH works by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys, which reduces urine output and conserves water.
Besides its kidney-related role, ADH can also constrict blood vessels. This helps maintain blood pressure but is not directly connected to the ovaries. Therefore, the pair 'ADH ... ovaries' is incorrect here.
Knowing the right functions and target organs for hormones like ADH helps clarify such mismatches.

Oxytocin

Oxytocin is another hormone from the posterior pituitary gland. It's often called the 'love hormone' due to its roles in social behaviors and bonding.
In terms of bodily functions, oxytocin is essential in childbirth and breastfeeding. It causes the uterus to contract during labor. After childbirth, oxytocin stimulates the mammary glands to release milk, making breastfeeding possible.
This corrects the pair 'oxytocin ... mammary glands'. Understanding oxytocin's roles helps in knowing how hormones regulate both physical and emotional activities.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. It primarily targets the adrenal cortex, which is the outer part of the adrenal gland.
ACTH stimulates the adrenal cortex to release cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol has many vital functions, such as regulating metabolism, reducing inflammation, and controlling the sleep-wake cycle.
The pair 'ACTH ... adrenal cortex' is correct since ACTH's primary function is to manage cortisol production. Understanding ACTH aids in grasping how the body responds to stress and maintains balance.