Questions: Name the function of the anterior pituitary Multiple Choice To protect bone and prevent hypocalcemia To initiate secretions from glands To detect touch and pressure To inhibit secretions from glands

The answer is the second one: To initiate secretions from glands.

Explanation for each option:

1. To protect bone and prevent hypocalcemia: This is incorrect. The anterior pituitary does not directly protect bones or prevent hypocalcemia. These functions are more related to the parathyroid hormone and vitamin D.

2. To initiate secretions from glands: This is correct. The anterior pituitary releases several hormones that stimulate other glands in the body to secrete their hormones. For example, it secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to stimulate the adrenal glands, and others.

3. To detect touch and pressure: This is incorrect. The detection of touch and pressure is a function of the sensory receptors in the skin and nervous system, not the anterior pituitary.

4. To inhibit secretions from glands: This is incorrect. While the anterior pituitary can regulate hormone levels, its primary role is to stimulate, not inhibit, the secretion of hormones from other glands.

In summary, the anterior pituitary's main function is to initiate secretions from various glands in the body.