Which hormone class does thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) belong to?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is categorized as a tropic hormone because it specifically acts on another endocrine gland—in this case, the thyroid gland. Tropic hormones are those that stimulate other glands to release their hormones, effectively regulating various physiological processes. TSH triggers the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which play crucial roles in metabolism, growth, and development.

Tropic hormones like TSH are released from the anterior pituitary gland and are part of intricate feedback loops within the endocrine system that maintain homeostasis. Understanding the function of TSH as a tropic hormone highlights its role in the broader context of hormone regulation and endocrine interactions.