21.9:
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland hormones regulate various functions from growth to reproduction.
The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
Growth hormones control overall growth by regulating production of insulin-like growth factors from liver, bones, and muscles.
It also regulates metabolism by balancing fat and glucose usage for energy generation.
Tropins, also secreted by the anterior lobe, control the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands.
For example, thyroid-stimulating hormone regulates the hormones of the thyroid gland, while adrenocorticotropic hormone controls cortisol release from the adrenal glands.
The functioning of reproductive organs is controlled by luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormones in both sexes.
Lastly, prolactin stimulates breast milk production in lactating mothers.
Although the posterior pituitary lobe does not synthesize hormones, it stores and releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormones synthesized by the hypothalamic neurons.
Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions during labor and also aids milk release, while antidiuretic hormone regulates water balance by controlling thirst and kidney function.
21.9:
Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by regulating the production of insulin-like growth factors from the liver, bones, and muscles. Also, it plays a vital role in regulating metabolism by balancing fat and glucose usage for energy generation.
Another group of hormones, tropins, are secreted by the anterior lobe, which controls the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands. For example, the thyroid-stimulating hormone is a tropin regulating the hormones of the thyroid gland, while the adrenocorticotropic hormone controls cortisol release from the adrenal glands.
The luteinizing hormone, LH, and follicle-stimulating hormone, FSH, in both sexes control the functioning of reproductive organs. These hormones regulate the menstrual cycle in females and testosterone production in males. Lastly, prolactin stimulates breast milk production in lactating mothers.