Which gland secretes prolactin?

• A. Hypothalamus
• B. Adrenal
• C. Pituitary
• D. Thyroid

Answer: (C)

Prolactin is produced by the lactotroph cells of the anterior pituitary gland. This gland sits at the base of the brain and is the major source of prolactin, whose main role is to stimulate milk production in the mammary glands after childbirth. The hypothalamus regulates prolactin release by sending inhibitory signals (dopamine) to the anterior pituitary; when inhibition decreases, prolactin levels rise to support lactation. The other glands listed do not produce prolactin.