What are the  principal hormones produced by the anterior pituitary? What function does each serve ?

The hormones produced are:

1. Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) : It is a proteinaceous hormone. It acts on the thyroid gland and regulates the secretion of the thyroid hormone. 

2. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH or Corticotropin hormone) : It is a peptide hormone. It controls functioning of adrenal cortex, especially secretion of glucocorticoids & sex corticoids.

3. Growth hormone, somatotropin hormone (STH) : It is a proteinaceous hormone. It regulates the synthesis of growth of the body. 

4. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) : It is a glycoprotein gonadotrophic hormone. It controls spermatogenesis in testes, maturation of graafian follicles and secretion of estrogens in ovaries.

5. Luteinising hormone (LH) : It performs the following functions
(i) In females LH helps in growth and development of graafian follicles, ovulation, growth of ruptured follicle.

(ii) In females LH also helps in secretion of progestrone by corpus luteum.

(iii) IIn males it acts on Leydig’s or interstitial cells of testes to secrete testosterone and other androgens.

6. Prolactin (PRL) : It is a proteinaceous hormone. It stimulates development of mammary glands during pregnancy and lactation after child birth.