Question 65

Growth hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland continuously throughout the life span.

Growth hormone is produced by the anterior pituitary gland and plays a crucial role in growth, metabolism, and overall health throughout a person's life.

A) Thyroxine

Thyroxine is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland, not the pituitary gland. It is involved in regulating metabolism and is secreted in response to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary, but it is not secreted continuously throughout life.

B) Melatonin

Melatonin is secreted by the pineal gland and regulates sleep-wake cycles. While its production may vary with age and environmental factors, it is not continuously secreted by the pituitary gland.

C) Oxytocin

Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and released by the posterior pituitary gland. Although it plays important roles in childbirth and social bonding, it is not secreted continuously throughout life in the same manner as growth hormone.

D) Cortisol

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is regulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) from the pituitary gland. Its secretion is not continuous; rather, it follows a diurnal rhythm influenced by stress and other factors.

E) Growth hormone

Growth hormone is secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and is vital for growth and metabolic regulation. Its secretion occurs throughout life, although levels may vary with age and physiological conditions, making it the correct answer to the question.

Conclusion

Growth hormone is the only hormone listed that is continuously secreted by the pituitary gland throughout a person's life span. The other options, while important in their own right, do not meet the criteria of continuous secretion by the pituitary, making growth hormone the definitive correct choice.