Which of the following is NOT considered a tropic hormone?

Growth Hormone (GH) is not considered a tropic hormone because its primary role is not to stimulate other endocrine glands. Instead, GH directly influences growth and metabolism in tissues throughout the body. It promotes growth in various tissues, including muscle and bone, and plays a key role in the regulation of body composition, fluid homeostasis, and metabolism by stimulating protein synthesis and the utilization of fat as an energy source.

In contrast, the other hormones mentioned are classified as tropic hormones because they specifically target other endocrine glands to promote the release of additional hormones. For instance, Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, Thyroid-stimulating Hormone (TSH) prompts the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormones, and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) triggers the gonads (ovaries and testes) to produce sex hormones. This distinction helps clarify the direct versus indirect roles these hormones play in the endocrine system.