Hypothalamic-pituitary hormone

Hypothalamic-pituitary hormone is a term that refers to the hormones produced and released by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. These hormones play a crucial role in the regulation of various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Hypothalamus

The hypothalamus is a small region of the brain located near the base. It is responsible for producing and releasing a variety of hormones that control the function of the pituitary gland. These hormones are known as hypothalamic hormones or hypothalamic releasing hormones. They include thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), and somatostatin.

Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is divided into two parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary produces and releases hormones under the control of the hypothalamus. These hormones include thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin, and growth hormone (GH). The posterior pituitary does not produce hormones, but it stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus: oxytocin and vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, ADH).

Function

The hypothalamic-pituitary hormones play a crucial role in the regulation of various bodily functions. They control the function of other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, and the gonads (ovaries in women and testes in men). They also regulate growth, metabolism, fluid balance, and reproduction.

Disorders

Disorders of the hypothalamic-pituitary hormones can lead to a variety of conditions, including hypothyroidism, Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, diabetes insipidus, and infertility. Treatment of these conditions often involves hormone replacement therapy or surgery. Template:Endocrine-stub