What is the pituitary?

As part of an endocrine system that regulates hormones, the pituitary controls many other glands through secretion. Our "main gland", pituitary gland produces some hormones, but also acts as an intermediary between the brain and other endocrine glands. Our hormones and pituitary gland perform many homeostatic and specialized functions such as bone growth and uterine contraction. Both are located at the base of the brain, set in the rounded part of the bone, carefully protected. They are connected by a lot of neurons called infundibulum. They work together to regulate all hormones that circulate in the bloodstream and control things such as growth and pigmentation of hair. Hormones are long -distance messangers that can inform cells where they become active or staying sleeping. The pituitary gland controls the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testicles, although it is only the size of peas.

There are different parts of the pituitary gland that have selective functions. The back lobe called neurohypophysis releases hormones vasopressin and oxyton, but does not produce them. Vasopressin is an anti-deuretics that control the kidneys absorb water. Oxytocin is a special hormone that is present only during birth to accelerate contractions.

The anterior lobe of the pituitary is called adenohypophysis. It creates a variety of hormones such as prolactin that stimulates lactation in women. Melanocytes stimulate the body and produce melanin to pigmentate skin and hair. The hormone stimulating follicles indicates where and when the hair should grow during development. Very important growth hormone controls bone growth to determine height, especially active during adolescence. The hormones also control the glands. The thyroid gland reacting thyrotropin is stimulated by adrenocorticotropin and the genital glands are affected by luteinizing hormone. The pituitary is responsible for many phases and aspects of our maturation.