The parvocellular neurons of the hypothalamus are responsible for secreting numerous hormones into the portal system, which are then delivered to the anterior pituitary. Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) are released from the parvocellular neurons. TRH stimulates the release of thyroid-stimulating hormone from the anterior pituitary, while CRH stimulates the release of adrenocorticotropic hormone from the anterior pituitary.

Vasopressin and oxytocin are secreted from the magnocellular neurons of the hypothalamus, and are released from the posterior pituitary.

The posterior pituitary is under neuronal control and is responsible for releasing vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin.

In contrast, the anterior pituitary is under hormonal control from the hypothalamus, and is responsible for releasing growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and prolactin. 

The anterior pituitary is responsible for secreting hormones into the blood stream, once their respective releasing factors from the hypothalamus arrive through the hypothalamus-pituitary portal system. The anterior pituitary releases growth hormone, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing-hormone, and prolactin.

The posterior pituitary is under neuronal control and releases vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin.

The posterior pituitary releases antidiuretic hormone (vasopressin), which causes water retention in the kidneys, making this the correct answer.

Follicle-stimulating hormone causes follicle development, and is released from the anterior (not the posterior) pituitary.

Oxytocin causes uterine contractions, and is released from the posterior (not the anterior) pituitary.

Calcitonin helps to reduce blood calcium, and is released from the thyroid. Parathyroid hormone acts counter to calcitonin, and increases blood calcium.

Glucagon helps to increase blood glucose levels by stimulating glycogen break-down, and is released from the pancreas (not the adrenal gland).

The anterior pituitary releases a number of key hormones. These hormones can be memorized using the anagram "FLAT PEG."

Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

Prolactin (PRL)

Endorphins

Growth hormone (GH)

Thyrotropin-releasing hormone is actually released from the hypothalamus to trigger the anterior pituitary to secrete TSH.

Oxytocin is produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. Upon stimulation, oxytocin is released from the posterior pituitary to cause lactation and uterine contractions during pregnancy, though it has also been linked to some social phenomena.

Growth hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and prolactin are produced and secreted from the anterior pituitary gland. Growth hormone promotes bone elongation and cell division. Follicle-stimulating hormone works to regulate the menstrual cycle. Prolactin stimulates milk production, while oxytocin stimulates the actual act of lactation.

A major player in a growing person is the human growth hormone (hGH). hGH is a peptide hormone released from the anterior pituitary gland. Recall that the hormones secreted from the anterior pituitary gland are synthesized in the gland itself. It receives signaling hormones from the hypothalamus which tells the anterior pituitary gland to start synthesizing a particular hormone. In the case of hGH, hypothalamus releases GHRH (growth hormone releasing hormone) which signals the anterior pituitary to signal and release hGH. Since this person has a short stature, the person likely has a problem with synthesis or release of hGH from anterior pituitary gland.

Posterior pituitary gland has a direct connection to the hypothalamus whereas the anterior pituitary gland does not. The hormones secreted from posterior pituitary gland (oxytocin and ADH) are synthesized in the hypothalamus. Since there is a direct connection between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary, the synthesized hormones are transported directly into the posterior pituitary where they are stored and secreted. 

Both glands are involved in releasing several important hormones; however, all the hormones released by both pituitary glands are peptide hormones. Steroid hormones are typically synthesized in the gonads and in the adrenal medulla. 

Posterior pituitary does not synthesize its own hormones. As mentioned earlier, it receives hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus. Posterior pituitary serves to store and secrete the hormones. Anterior pituitary, on the other hand, can synthesize hormones. It often receives a signaling hormone from hypothalamus that initiates synthesis and release of hormones. For example, growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) released from the hypothalamus signals the anterior pituitary to synthesize growth hormone.

In a female, the luteal surge occurs during the menstrual cycle. Its main function is to increase the concentration of luteinizing hormone, or LH. LH is released in both males and females and its main function is to increase the concentration of testosterone in males and estrogen in females; therefore, the luteal surge in females increases the concentration of LH, which causes an increase in estrogen.

Progesterone functions to prepare the lining of the uterus for implantation of the egg, and also produces menstrual bleeding if pregnancy does not occur.

Estrogen induces the development of female sex characteristics. Follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the synthesis and secretion of estrogen. Luteinizing hormone stimulates progesterone production. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone controls the release of follicle-stimulating hormone.