the pituitary gland
The Pituitary gland is located in a bone cavity behind the nasal bridge and is connected to the base of the brain by a thin leg, the size of a pea, sometimes called the main gland because it controls many other hormones in the body. The hypothalamus (hypothalamus), which controls the pituitary gland, is located directly above the pituitary gland. It serves as a communication center for her by sending her messages in the form of hormones transmitted through blood and nerves to her. These hormones also affect the secretion of pituitary hormones that target And other parts of the body. The hypothalamus regulates temperature, thirst, sleep, wakefulness, emotional behavior, memory, and others.
The function of the pituitary gland and its hormones
Several hormones are secreted from the two main parts of the pituitary gland, which in turn perform many functions. These hormones come with their functions:
Activated hormone for adrenal cortex
Adrenocorticotropic hormone, also called corticotrophin, is excreted from the pituitary gland to target and stimulate the adrenal gland to secrete cortisol (cortisol). Cortisol helps cortisol, The human body responds to stress, regulates blood sugar level, and controls blood pressure, in addition to possessing anti-inflammatory properties.
Thyroid stimulating hormone
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (Thyroid-stimulating hormone) is also called thyrotropin, which is excreted from the pituitary gland and targets the thyroid gland to stimulate the secretion of hormones such as Thyroxine.
Activated hormone of the yellow body and activated hormone of the compass
Luteinising hormone, Follicle-stimulating hormone, are released from the anterior pituitary gland and regulate the reproductive functions and sexual characteristics of both men and women. They target the ovaries in women. To stimulate the secretion of estrogen (estrogen) and hormone progesterone (English: Orogesterone), and testicular in men to stimulate the secretion of testosterone (testosterone) and sperm production. In men, lutein is also called interstitial cell stimulating hormone.
Prolactin hormone
Proactin (prolactin): This secretion of the hormone from the pituitary front, and the function of stimulating the breast on the secretion of milk. This hormone is present at all times naturally in men and women, but increases its secretion during pregnancy and lactation.
Growth hormone
Growth hormone, also called somatotropin, is excreted from the pituitary gland. It targets all cells of the body to stimulate and stimulate growth. It stimulates protein synthesis, increases fat breakdown to provide energy for body tissues to grow, and It may reverse the action of insulin (Insulin). Growth hormone may directly affect cells or may stimulate the liver and other tissues to secrete substances called insulin-like growth factors. These growth factors have the ability Li simulate the work of insulin when a large concentration of its presence, this despite the fact that its primary function is to contribute to the growth.
Hormone stimulating hormone
The hormone stimulating (Melanocyte-stimulating hormone) is excreted from the anterior pituitary gland, but its physiological function in humans has not yet been determined.
Hormone inhibitor
Anti-diuretic hormone, also known as Vasopressin, is produced from the pituitary gland. This hormone regulates and regulates the amount of fluids and minerals in the body by affecting the retention of water in the kidneys.
Oxytocin hormone
Oxytocin, which is excreted from the pituitary gland and affects uterine contractions during pregnancy and childbirth. It stimulates the birth of labor and birth. It also increases the secretion of prostaglandins (prostaglandins), which increases the contractions of the uterus more and more . It is worth mentioning that industrial oxytocin is used to stimulate labor and delivery if labor does not start normally, or to increase the strength of labor contractions if labor is slow.
Oxytocin stimulates the secretion of milk from the breast after childbirth. Breast feeding stimulates the secretion of oxytocin and secretion of milk. Oxytocin is also released in the brain to stimulate secretion of more. The effect of this hormone on men is less important, but it has an effect on the movement of sperm, and affects the secretion of testosterone from the testicle.
Pituitary gland disorders
The appearance of benign tumor in the pituitary gland is one of the most common problems of the pituitary gland. Some tumors may occur without symptoms for many years, and there may be no symptoms at all. It is important to know that pituitary tumors are not tumors in the brain, and one of the most common types, which constitute almost half of the cases are tumors are ineffective; these tumors do not produce any hormones, but it may cause a headache or vision problems, and may cause The pressure on the pituitary gland, which leads to the interruption of secretion of the quantities needed for one or more hormones, as this may occur after taking treatment of the tumor such as surgical treatment or radiation therapy. In some cases, the pituitary gland may begin to secrete larger amounts of its hormones.
The pituitary gland may also be affected by increased pituitary secretion of growth hormone in adulthood. It increases bone size, including the bones of the hands, feet, and face, and affects middle-aged adults. There are also other cases such as Cushing’s syndrome, which occurs when the body is exposed to large amounts of cortisol for a long time, and may lead to a fatty cyst between the shoulders, and increase the circular face, and the appearance of signs of cracked pink or purple in the body, In addition, there are many other conditions that may affect the pituitary gland such as diabetes insipidus, prolactinoma, and others.
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