Biological Systems MCAT Practice Exam

What is the function of tropic hormones?

1. To stimulate the production of other hormones

2. To directly influence metabolic processes

3. To bind to surface receptors on target cells

4. To release neurotransmitters

The correct answer is: To stimulate the production of other hormones

Tropic hormones are specialized hormones produced by the anterior pituitary gland that have the primary function of stimulating other endocrine glands to release their own hormones. They act indirectly, influencing the activity of target glands like the thyroid gland, adrenal cortex, and gonads, thereby regulating various physiological processes throughout the body. For example, hormones such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulate the adrenal cortex to produce cortisol, while thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) prompts the thyroid gland to secrete thyroxine. This hierarchical control is crucial for maintaining homeostasis, as it allows the endocrine system to adapt and respond to different physiological demands effectively. In contrast, the other options represent different functions of hormones or signaling mechanisms. While metabolic processes can be influenced by hormones, tropic hormones specifically do not act directly on those processes but instead signal other glands to produce hormones that may affect metabolism. Additionally, tropic hormones can indeed bind to receptors on target cells, but their defining feature is their role in stimulating hormone production rather than direct metabolic effects. Finally, they are not involved in neurotransmitter release, which pertains to nervous system signaling rather than endocrine function.