what stimulates the thyroid gland to release its hormones
Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (Thyrotropin) Thyroid-stimulating hormone, also known as thyrotropin, is secreted from cells in the anterior pituitary called thyrotrophs, finds its receptors on epithelial cells in the thyroid gland, and stimulates that gland to synthesize and release thyroid hormones.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) promotes normal development and activity of the thyroid gland. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) stimulates its release; negative feedback of thyroid hormone inhibits it. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulates the adrenal cortex to release corticosteroids.