What is the primary function of the pituitary?
The primary function of the pituitary is the excretion and storage of chemical reports known as hormones and regulation of other glands in the endocrine system of the body. The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "main gland" due to its effect on other hormonal glands of the endocrine system. In the pituitary there are three lobes - front, medium and rear lobes - and each controls different types of hormones.
Although all vertebrates have pituitary gland, its structure and size may vary wildly depending on the species, although the main function of the pituitary remains quite even between all organisms. In humans, the pituitary is not larger than peas and is located on the base of the brain, between optical nerves and connected by nerve cells to the hypothalamus. From this brain -based position, the function of the pituitary gland is to regulate the distribution of hormones throughout the body, to control the hormonal secretion of other endocrine systemic glands - such as the thyroid and adrenal glands - and stimulate the reproductive organs of the body.
front or frontal lobe of pituitary is responsible for the production of growth hormone and prolactin, which is responsible for milk production in mammals after birth. It also creates hormones responsible for the adrenal stimulation, called adrenocorticotropic hormone; thyroid gland; and ovaries and testicles called follicles stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Another function of the anterior lobe of the pituitary is to release hormones such as endorphins that can contribute to a sense of well -being.
Medium or medium lobe is not present in all animals and differs very in size from the body to the body. In humans, this lobe consists only of a thin layer of cells that produce hormone stimulating melanocytes. This hormone stimulates the production of melanin, which is responsible for changes in the color of the skin and hair.
The back or rear lobe of the pituitary is primarily responsible for the storage and release of antidiuretic hormone and oxytocin. Antidiuretic hormone regulates the use of the body of the body and is beforeLatter for the proper functioning of the kidneys. Oxytocin checks the uterine contractions during labor, in addition to stimulating milk production and breastfeeding in mammals.