These are the gonad stimulating hormones secreted by the anterior lobe of pituitary, e.g., follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and prolactin (LTH).
Functions:
(a) FSH stimulates the gonads to produce sperms and ova; stimulates the ovaries to secrete female sex hormone estrogens.
(b) LH stimulates the maturation of Leydig’s cell of testes for secretion of testosterone; stimulates the secretion of estrogens and progesterone in the ovary.
(3) Prolactin helps in the secretion of milk from the mammary glands after the birth of the child