pituitary hormone
Quick Summary
The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It is often called the "master gland" because its hormones regulate many other endocrine glands, including the adrenal, thyroid, and reproductive glands.12
The pituitary gland has two main parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary produces hormones such as growth hormone (GH), prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). These hormones control growth, milk production, thyroid function, adrenal cortex activity, and reproductive functions. The posterior pituitary releases vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin, which regulate water balance and uterine contractions/milk ejection, respectively.1
The secretion of pituitary hormones is precisely controlled by the hypothalamus through releasing and inhibiting hormones, and by feedback mechanisms involving the target glands. This intricate regulation ensures that hormone levels are maintained within a narrow range to support bodily functions.31
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therapeuticsHormonesGrowth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates linear growth and regulates metabolic functions. Inadequate secretion of this hormone by the pituitary will impair growth in children, which is evidenced by their poor rate of growth and delayed bone age (i.e., slowed bone development). A synthetic preparation of the hormone…
Read MoreGrowth hormone, produced by the pituitary gland, stimulates linear growth and regulates metabolic functions. Inadequate secretion of this hormone by the pituitary will impair growth in children, which is evidenced by their poor rate of growth and delayed bone age (i.e., slowed bone development). A synthetic preparation of the hormone…
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human developmentHormones and growthPituitary growth hormone, a protein with molecular weight of 21,600 and of known amino-acid composition, is secreted by the pituitary gland throughout life. Exactly what its function is in the adult is not clear, but in the child it is necessary for growth; without it…
Read MorePituitary growth hormone, a protein with molecular weight of 21,600 and of known amino-acid composition, is secreted by the pituitary gland throughout life. Exactly what its function is in the adult is not clear, but in the child it is necessary for growth; without it…
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- sexSeasonal or periodic sexual cycles
Pituitary hormones stimulate ovarian or testicular tissue, which secretes the sex hormones. The sex hormones not only maintain the growth of the sexual tissues generally but inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones, so that the process does not get out of hand. The pituitary activity,…
Read MorePituitary hormones stimulate ovarian or testicular tissue, which secretes the sex hormones. The sex hormones not only maintain the growth of the sexual tissues generally but inhibit the secretion of pituitary hormones, so that the process does not get out of hand. The pituitary activity,…
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boneHormonal influencesThe anterior lobe of the pituitary gland secretes a hormone essential for growth and development of the skeleton. This effect of the hormone is indirect and mediated by “sulfation factor,” a substance produced in the liver in response to stimulation by the growth hormone. The extent to which growth hormone…
Read MoreThe anterior lobe of the pituitary gland secretes a hormone essential for growth and development of the skeleton. This effect of the hormone is indirect and mediated by “sulfation factor,” a substance produced in the liver in response to stimulation by the growth hormone. The extent to which growth hormone…
Read More