Question

MSH of pars intermedia of middle pituitary is responsible for

• A. Darkening of skin in lower vertebrates
• B. Light colouration of skin in lower vertebrates
• C. Both A and B
  
• D. Darkening of skin in human beings

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Darkening of skin in lower vertebrates

Pars Intermedia is the boundary between the anterior and posterior lobe of pituitary gland. In human fetal life, it produces Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone or MSH, which is responsible for the release of melanin pigment in the skin.

In lower vertebrates like fish and amphibians, it is responsible for the darkening of the skin in response to the changes in the background color.