Thyrotropes

Thyrotropes are endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary gland that produce and secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH or thyrotropin). TSH secretion is stimulated by thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) from the hypothalamus. TSH acts on the thyroid gland to stimulate the synthesis and release of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), which are critical for regulating metabolism, growth, and development.