Explain how the hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary
Explain how the hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary
Endocrine gland- These are the ductless glands that secrete chemical messengers, hormones, into the blood stream. The glands of the endocrine system are the pineal gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, ovaries, testes, thyroid gland, parathyroid gland, hypothalamus and adrenal glands.
Hypothalamus regulates the secretion of hormones through pituitary gland. Anterior pituitary secrets seven hormones out of which 6 are secreted by pars distalis and only one by pars intermedia.
Hormones secreted by pars distalis are :-
1. Growth Hormone- also known as SOMATOTROPIN. It functions by movement of amino acids and formation of proteins thus promoting growth of tissues and organs. Growth hormone indirectly regulates growth by stimulating mitogens like Insulin growth factor-1
2. Prolactin- It is secreted by anterior pituitary and is a peptide hormone . Prolactin functions by promoting the enlargement of mammary glands and production of milk during pregnancy. High level of progesterone inhibit prolactin's function.
3.Adenocorticotropic hormone- It is synthesized by anterior pituitary. It is regulated by corticotropin releasing hormone secreted by hypothalamus. It stimulates the secretion of corticosteroids.
4. Thyroid stimulating hormone- It stimulates the thyroid gland for releasing thyroid hormones.
5. Follicle stimulating hormone- It is produced both in male and female. It thus helps in growth and development of ovaries in females and in male stimulates sperm production by targeting on seminiferous tubules.
6. Luteinizing hormones- This is also produced both in male and female. In females it helps in ovulation and in males it helps in testosterone production by targeting interstitial cells and hence called as interstitial cell stimulating hormone.
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