Which gland releases a hormone whose over-secretion during pregnancy stimulates melanocytes to synthesize melanin, darkening the skin:
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Answer: B. Median pituitary lobe
Explanation
The intermediate pituitary lobe releases hormones stimulating melanocytes to produce skin darkening pigment. Over-secretion during pregnancy accelerates melanin synthesis resulting in noticeable skin pigmentation changes. Endocrine regulation controls specialized skin cells responding to specific pituitary chemical signals. The pituitary gland is divided into anterior, intermediate, and posterior anatomical lobes. Melanocyte-stimulating hormone regulates skin coloration in various vertebrate species including humans. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy frequently cause temporary changes in maternal skin pigmentation.
Medical endocrinology studies how hormonal imbalances manifest physically across different body tissues. Dermatologists recognize pregnancy-related pigmentation shifts as normal physiological responses. Understanding pituitary functions helps diagnose endocrine disorders affecting systemic metabolism. Anterior pituitary lobe secretes growth hormone and prolactin rather than direct melanocyte regulators. Posterior lobe releases oxytocin and vasopressin which manage water balance and uterine contractions. Option D is incorrect because only the median lobe specializes in melanocyte stimulation.
- Subject
- Psychology
- Category
- Psychology
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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