Pituitary hormone

Pituitary Hormone

The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small, pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain. It is responsible for the production and release of a variety of hormones, collectively referred to as pituitary hormones. These hormones play a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction.

Function

Pituitary hormones are responsible for controlling the function of other endocrine glands. They are released into the bloodstream and travel to specific target tissues, where they exert their effects. The pituitary gland is divided into two main sections: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary, each of which produces different hormones.

Anterior Pituitary

The anterior pituitary produces and releases six major hormones:

1. Growth Hormone (GH): Stimulates growth and cell reproduction in the body.
2. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
3. Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol.
4. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): In women, FSH stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, and in men, it supports spermatogenesis.
5. Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Triggers ovulation and stimulates the production of estrogen and progesterone in women, and the production of testosterone in men.
6. Prolactin: Stimulates milk production in women after childbirth.

Posterior Pituitary

The posterior pituitary stores and releases two hormones:

1. Oxytocin: Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and the release of breast milk during nursing.
2. Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Regulates water balance in the body by controlling the amount of water the kidneys reabsorb.

Disorders

Disorders of the pituitary gland can lead to an overproduction or underproduction of pituitary hormones, resulting in a variety of conditions such as pituitary tumors, acromegaly, Cushing's disease, and hypopituitarism.

See Also

• Endocrine system
• Hormone replacement therapy (menopause)
• Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis