Pituitary Hormones: Posterior Pituitary & Anterior Pituitary

The Pituitary Gland and Hypothalamus

By the end of this section, you will be able to: • Explain the interrelationships of the anatomy and functions of the hypothalamus and the posterior and anterior lobes of the pituitary gland • Identify the two hormones released from the posterior pituitary, their target cells, and their principal actions • Identify the six hormones produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, their tar...

Pituitary Hormones: Posterior Pituitary & Anterior Pituitary

The pituitary gland, also known as hypophysis, is a small pea-sized gland about 1 cm in diameter and 0.5 to 1 gram in weight. The pituitary gland resides in a small bony cavity situated at the base of the brain, known as sella turcica, and a pituitary stalk (infundibulum) maintains a connection between the pituitary gland and hypothalamus. The secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland is und...

Toward Multifactorial Hypothalamic Regulation of Anterior Pituitary Hormone Secretion.

The hypothalamus regulates the secretion of anterior pituitary hormones via release of releasing hormones into the hypophysial portal vasculature. Additional neuromessengers act at the pituitary to modulate responses to the hypothalamic hormones. For example, neuropeptide Y enhances the effect of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the response to the prolactin-inhibiting hormone dopamine.

Mechanism of copper-induced ovulation by the incubation experiment of the anterior pituitary gland.

A Primer on Pituitary Injury for the Reproductive Endocrinologist: Simmonds disease, Sheehan’s syndrome, Traumatic injury, Dahan’ s syndrome, Pituitary Apoplexy and Lymphocytic Hypophysitis

The pituitary gland plays a critical role in reproduction. In response to the hypothalamus the anterior pituitary secretes prolactin, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Adreno corticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and growth hormone. Dysregulation in these hormones often lead to reproductive failure. Therefore, understanding of the mechanisms...