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Functions of pituitary hormones in the body. What the pituitary gland is responsible for What prevents the pituitary gland from controlling body growth

The pituitary gland (pituitary gland or inferior cerebral appendage) is an endocrine organ that is located at the base of the brain. More specifically, on its lower surface, in a bone pocket called This gland in humans is very small, about the size of a pea, and is a rounded formation weighing only 0.5 grams. But despite such small sizes, the role of hormones produced by the pituitary gland is enormous.

This small gland is the main organ of our entire endocrine system. The hormones it produces affect the following body functions:

  • reproductive;
  • metabolic processes;
  • height.

The functions and functions it produces are closely related to each other. In order to understand this issue in more detail, let us first consider the structure of this endocrine gland.

It consists of three main lobes: anterior, posterior and intermediate, which differ in their origin and structure. The pituitary gland begins to form in the embryo at 4-5 weeks of intrauterine development. Its anterior lobe is formed from the epithelial surface of the posterior wall of the oral cavity, the so-called Rathke's pouch, in the form of a small oblong outgrowth. During embryonic development, it grows towards the diencephalon.

The posterior lobe is formed a little later than the anterior one from the nervous tissue of the diencephalon, where these lobes are connected. Even later, the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland is formed. It consists of a thin layer of cells. All three lobes of the pituitary gland are essentially separate secretory glands, and each of them produces its own hormones. The pituitary gland (hormones and its functions) takes a huge part in the work of the entire human endocrine system.

Anterior pituitary gland

This lobe is called the adenohypophysis and makes up the bulk of the gland (70%). It consists of various kinds of endocrine glandular cells. Each type of cell in this lobe produces its own hormone. These endocrine cells are called adenocytes. There are two types of adenocytes: chromophilic and chromophobic, both synthesize hormones:

  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is responsible for the secretory activity of the thyroid gland.
  • Adrenocorticotropic (ACTH) - stimulates the adrenal cortex.
  • Gonadotropic hormones, which include follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones (FSH, LH), are responsible for reproductive function.
  • Somatotropic hormone (GH) - is responsible for growth, stimulates the breakdown of fats, protein synthesis in cells and the formation of glucose.
  • Luteotropic hormone, or prolactin, which regulates instinctive care for offspring, lactation, metabolic and growth processes.

Pituitary hormones - their physiological role in the human body is enormous.

Somatotropin

Somatotropin (or is not produced constantly, it is released only 3-4 times a day. Its secretion increases noticeably during periods of sleep, during heavy physical exertion and during fasting. The production of this hormone persists throughout a person’s life, but with age it is greatly reduced Under the influence of growth hormone, fats and carbohydrates are broken down in cells. As a result, under the influence of somatomedins produced in the liver, cell division and protein synthesis are enhanced, thus bone growth occurs.

If the synthesis of somatotropin is insufficient for some reason, then dwarfism develops. At the same time, all body proportions are preserved, the physique is, as a rule, normal. Thus, insufficiency of pituitary gland function directly affects human growth.

Excessive secretion of somatotropin causes gigantism. If hypersecretion occurs in childhood, then all body proportions are preserved, and in adulthood, its increased production leads to acromegaly. This is manifested by disproportionate lengthening of the limbs, the nose and chin, as well as the tongue and all digestive organs, become enlarged.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)

This hormone regulates the activity of the thyroid gland. Under its influence, the secretion of triiodothyronine and thyroxine occurs. It activates the enzyme adenylate cyclase, which affects the absorption of iodine by thyroid cells. In addition, under the influence of TSH, protein metabolism occurs: the production of nucleic acids and protein synthesis increases, the growth and size of thyroid cells increases.

TSH synthesis can increase under the influence of cold. The cold reaction increases the production of thyroid hormones, which leads to greater heat production by the body. Glucocorticoids can inhibit the production of TSH, the same thing happens under the influence of anesthesia, pain or injury.

Excessive secretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone is manifested clinically (hyperfunction of the thyroid gland).

Adenocorticotropic hormone

ACTH is synthesized unevenly throughout the day. The highest concentration is observed in the morning from 6.00 to 8.00, the minimum in the evening from 18.00 to 23.00. ACTH regulates the synthesis of corticosteroids, which are secreted by cells of the adrenal cortex. The secretion of corticosteroids increases during strong emotional states such as fear, anger, chronic stress. Thus, ACTH has a direct effect on a person’s emotional balance. In the same way, ACTH synthesis increases with severe cold and pain reactions, and severe physical stress. Hypoglycemia also stimulates the production of ACTH.

Excessive secretion of this hormone can be observed with pituitary adenoma, this disease is called. Its manifestations are: hypertension, obesity, with fat deposits accumulating on the torso and face, but the limbs remain normal, increased blood sugar concentration, decreased immune defense.

Insufficient production of ACTH leads to a decrease in the synthesis of glucocorticoids, and this, in turn, is expressed by metabolic disorders and a decrease in the body's endurance to environmental influences.

Gonadotropic hormones

They control the functioning of the gonads of both women and men. Thus, folliculotropin in women stimulates the formation of follicles in the ovaries. In the male half, this secretion affects the development of the prostate and spermatogenesis (sperm formation).

Luteoptropin regulates the formation of androgens - male hormones (testosterone, androstenedione, etc.) and estrogens - female hormones (estriol, estradiol, etc.).

Thus, the pituitary gland and its hormones take part in the work of almost all organs.

Posterior pituitary gland

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is called the neurohypophysis and is composed of epidermal cells called pituicytes. The neurohypophysis, like the adenohypophysis, produces hormones. Hormones of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland:

  • oxytocin;
  • vasopressin;
  • asparotocin;
  • vasotocin;
  • Glumitocin;
  • valitocin;
  • isotocin;
  • mesotocin.

All these hormones perform their specific functions in the human body. Let's talk about some of them separately.

Oxytocin

Thus, the hormone oxytocin affects the contraction of the uterine muscles during childbirth. On the surface of cell membranes there are special receptors sensitive to oxytocin. During pregnancy, this hormone does not rise to a level that can cause contractile activity of the uterus. Only immediately before the birth itself, under the influence of the female hormones estrogen, sensitivity to oxytocin increases and childbirth occurs. It also causes the myoepithelial cells located in the mammary glands to shrink, which stimulates milk production.

The effect of oxytocin on the male body has not been sufficiently studied. It is believed that it is able to influence the functioning of the intestinal walls, gallbladder and bladder.

Vasopressin (ADH)

Vasopressin (also called ADH) performs two functions in the body. It has an antidiuretic effect, i.e. enhances the reabsorption of water in the collecting ducts of the kidneys and, in addition, it affects the smooth muscle of arterioles (small blood vessels that arise from arteries), i.e. capable of narrowing their lumen. In physiological concentrations, this effect does not cause a significant effect on the body, but in pharmacological doses, with artificial administration of ADH in its pure form, the arterioles significantly narrow, which causes an increase in pressure.

Thus, hormones of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, when produced insufficiently, can cause diabetes insipidus (antidiuretic effect), in which up to 15 liters of fluid can be lost per day (excreted in the urine). This loss must be constantly replenished. People with diabetes insipidus experience constant thirst.

Intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland

The intermediate lobe also produces a number of hormones, for example, these include melanostimulating hormone, which is responsible for skin and hair color. Under its influence, the pigment melanin is formed, which plays a significant role in the racial identity of people.

The importance of pituitary hormones

The pituitary gland (hormones and functions are described above) works together with the hypothalamus (division of the diencephalon), more precisely, its neurosecretory nuclei. Together they form the hypothalamic-pituitary system. It controls the functioning of all peripheral endocrine glands. Dysfunction of the pituitary gland (hormonal disorders) leads to serious consequences. Endocrinologists deal with such problems.

The pituitary gland and its functions in the body are very important. The proper functioning of all organs and systems depends on them.

Diseases and pathologies

If problems arise in such a small endocrine gland as the pituitary gland, hormones and its functions do not work correctly, and serious pathologies can develop in the human body:

  • acromegaly;
  • gigantism;
  • diabetes insipidus;
  • pituitary hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism;
  • pituitary hypogonadism;
  • hyperprolactinemia;
  • pituitary dwarfism;
  • Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
  • Sheehan's syndrome.

Such diseases can occur if the pituitary gland does not synthesize one or several hormones, or, conversely, too many of them enter the blood. The functions and hormones of the pituitary gland are important for the body. Their violations can cause a number of pathologies that require a serious approach and often require hormonal therapy.

“If in the near future the world equips its diplomats, high officials, legislators, and citizens with proper endocrine glands, especially the anterior pituitary gland, and suppresses the adrenal cortex a little, there may be no more wars.” – Samuel Willis Bandler. Endocrine glands.

This epigraph shows the degree of importance of such an endocrine organ as the pituitary gland in the evolution of humanity and the transition from the third density of dividing self-awareness to the fourth density of unifying love and understanding.

“Something, although little, is known about the pituitary gland, but its special importance (since it affectspsychological reactions of a person) is not yet sufficiently realized.”

These words spoken by Jual Khulom almost a hundred years ago, the general idea of ​​the pituitary gland has practically not changed, and modern endocrinology is still wandering in the darkness of physiological dogma and hormonal experiments.

However, shed some light on one of the main glands in our body, which Manly Palmer Hall, famous occultist and encyclopedist, described it as “ the key to understanding bodily harmony, for is " barometer" of the entire chain of endocrine glands, necessary. Indeed, among the symbolic names of the pituitary gland there is the Holy Grail, the tail of the Dragon of Wisdom (the head of the Dragon of Wisdom is the pineal gland), the “bridge of the mind.” In addition, under "“Marriage” meant the marriage of the Sun (pineal gland) and the Moon (pituitary gland) in the brain.

It is also necessary to study the topic of the main glands of the body because, in my opinion, in connection with the changes in the planet that have come into force and the current – by the cyclical process of transition of trained souls to higher states of consciousness/density/dimensions, corresponding to the frequency of the light emitted by them and free choice, we are rapidly changing, which inevitably affects the functions of the main organs and systems of the body.

In this material we will consider the connection between the pituitary gland and the pineal gland, the pituitary gland and the ajna center, the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland, the pituitary gland and the pancreas, the pituitary gland and, both from esoteric and scientific points of view.

The article we bring to your attention continues the series of previously published materials on the endocrine system, begun in and .

ENDOCRINE SYSTEM AND ITS CONNECTION WITH CHAKRAS

The endocrine system, at the top of which is the pituitary gland, pineal gland and hypothalamus, is not just a physiological system that provides secretion and is responsible for human hormonal levels.

The endocrine glands form the great connecting system of the body, being the externalization of the etheric centers or their external, physical counterpart.

In other words, the endocrine system is analogous to the centers in the etheric body (chakras), is closely connected with them, as the personality is with the soul, and is enlivened by energies coming from various dimensions and planes. But, first of all, from the etheric, vital or vital body - the physical analogue of the causal or causative body of the soul.

7 main glands* interact in a special way, feeding from the vital or etheric body and indicating the evolutionary point of achievement of man, his nature and expressed consciousness.

Endocrine glands have both physiological and psychological effects on the personality and its internal and external contacts and connections, leading to various psychosomatic, physiological and mental reactions.

Hyperfunction, an increase in size or functional insufficiency of the endocrine glands is a consequence not so much of physical processes in the human body, as orthodox science considers them, but also mental ones, as in. Moreover, in occultism the physical body is not considered as a principle, due to more subtle influences on human nature.

An indicator of functional changes in the endocrine system are the subtle bodies and their balance with each other.And these are the “invisible” and often imperceptible influences of pranic, sexual and spiritual energies, encountering resistance from the body due to the lack of the guiding intelligence of consciousness.

Data and lead to all sorts of abnormalities and lack of health or circulation problems, both in the energy centers and, as a consequence, in the endocrine glands.

The pineal, thyroid and thymus glands are the main receivers, transmitters and converters of lower energies for merging them with the energies of the soul and spirit. However, the pituitary gland also plays an important role in this ensemble, as we will see later.

After all, for example, the pituitary gland or pituitary gland creates the mood and coordinates the activities of different glands of the body, controlling individual biorhythms and body development processes.

The key role of the pituitary gland is to activate the genetic program of puberty in the body, as well as the very moment when sex hormones are turned on at a certain age.

At the time of puberty and until its end, due to the increase/activity of the pituitary gland and gonads, the pineal gland begins to gradually atrophy and by the age of 21 its internal potential becomes dormant.

However, if a growing person adequately responds to the manifestations of a hormonal storm, the pineal gland, acting on the pituitary gland, slows down the process of turning on this function.

Moreover, it allows the consciousness to create a barrier between the hormonal response to stimulation and the urge to act, thereby determining a person's ability to control his sexual nature.

TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE PITUITARY Gland. PINEAL GLAND

So what is hypophysis – inferior medullary appendage located at the base of the brain in
bone pocket, called the sella turcica, and influencing the growth, development, metabolism of the body?

And why is the natural magic of the organ so great, the weight of which is no more than 1 gram, the normal height is 3-8 mm, and the width is 10-17 mm?

Is it just a matter of the hormonal “abilities” of the pituitary gland? I'm sure not only. And you can also be convinced of this by reading the article to the end.

Without going into the anatomical and physiological features of the pituitary gland, I will only note that its hormonal background depends on many factors, but the most important influence on it is the pineal gland, which, being located anatomically behind, is a physical manifestation of the Soul or its hidden light, transforming the light of the personality .

In this regard, it is interesting to consider modern biological studies of the human pineal gland from the point of view of the influence of light, which I did not touch upon in the previous material.

According to scientific data, the pineal gland is an integral part photoneuroendocrine system. Such daylight, which is familiar to us, has an inhibitory effect on the activity of the pineal gland, and darkness has a stimulating effect. Light does not penetrate directly to the pineal gland, but the latter has a ganglion connection with the retina: the retina perceives light and sends signals along the retino-hypothalamic tract to the hypothalamus, from where, through a chain of neurons, they reach the cervical part of the sympathetic nervous system, switch to ascending sympathetic fibers that pass through the upper the cervical ganglion inside the skull and finally innervates (nourishes) the pineal gland.

Hence the greatest importance of meditation and lucid dreaming. The first ones stimulate the pineal gland through stimulation of the inner glow, and the second ones involve the sleeping consciousness, awakening it to the possibility of functioning in the area of ​​the unconscious.

However, it would be wrong to consider the pituitary gland without connection with the brain and its functions, both personal and spiritual.

BRAIN, PITUITARY GLAND, PINEAL AND CAROTID GLANDS

Jual Khul or the Tibetan teacher who gave the world through A.A. Bailey 5 treatises of fundamental knowledge, provides some provisions in the form of three basic statements that will help you understand the connection of the pituitary gland with the alta center and the pineal gland.

1. The brain is the finest receiving and transmitting apparatus:

A. He accepts the information that his feelings convey to him from the emotional plane and from the mind.

b. With its help, the lower personal “I” is aware of its environment, the nature of its desires and its mental characteristics, and learns about the emotional states and thoughts of the people around it.

2. The brain is predominantly driven by the endocrine system and much more than endocrinologists dare to admit:

A. It is especially strongly determined by three important glands directly connected with the substance of the brain. This pituitary, pineal And carotid gland.

b. They form a triangle with practically unconnected vertices in a primitive person, sometimes connected in a moderately developed person, and firmly connected in a spiritual person.

V. These glands are the objective correspondence of the three energy centers through which the soul, or inner spiritual man, controls its physical vehicle.

d. The close interaction of the three glands - as in the ever-growing number of students - always forms a triangle of circulating energies.

d. Through the carotid gland in the medulla oblongata, this triangle connects with other glands and centers.

The two main centers (corresponding to the atma-buddhi, or soul) are the head center and the alta center; esoterically they correspond to the agents of distribution - the right and left eyes, as do the two glands of the head: the pineal and pituitary gland.

This is how three triangles are formed in the head, two of which distribute energy, and the third distributes force.

And here I quote the words of student Max Handel, who chose to remain anonymous:

“It is interesting to note that the thyroid gland, which was once a gonad, arises in the embryo from the same tissue and almost from the same place as the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland: the thyroid gland becomes a process in front, and the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland becomes a process behind the same fabric.

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland has been called the gland of intelligence, implying the ability of the mind to control the environment through concepts and abstract ideas. All this confirms what Max Handel said that the nature of the generative force is creative, manifesting itself through the brain or organs of reproduction.

The action of the thyroid gland is more directly manifested in the inner and outer membranes of the body, skin, mucous membranes, hair, irritability and the readiness of the nerves to respond.

The pituitary gland acts more on the frame of the body, the skeleton, its mechanical supports and engines.

The thyroid gland increases the energy level of the brain and the entire nervous system.

The pituitary gland directly stimulates brain cells.

The thyroid gland facilitates energy production, the pituitary gland controls its consumption.

The thyroid gland is closely related to the regulation of body contours and shapes organs according to their archetypes.”

DUAL/SPIRITUAL AND ASTROLOGICAL QUALITIES OF THE PITITUITARY Gland

“The pituitary gland is the world of the Vital Spirit.”

Related materials:

The pituitary gland (pituitary gland or medullary process) belongs to the endocrine glands and is a central part of the human endocrine system. These glands regulate the activity of all organs and tissues, control metabolic processes, ensure human adaptation to a changing external environment and the constancy of the internal environment of the body. Such versatile work of the pituitary gland is carried out thanks to special substances - hormones, which the pituitary gland synthesizes, accumulates and releases into the blood.

Functions of the pituitary gland - what the pituitary gland is responsible for

In science, it has long been believed that the pituitary gland is responsible for the human appearance; it is this supposedly main role of the medullary process that underlies the story “The Heart of a Dog.” The sensational story led to the fact that people far removed from medicine learned about the pituitary gland, but only the functions of the pituitary gland are different from those described by Bulgakov.

The main role of the pituitary endocrine gland in the human body is the production of several groups of hormones that affect various life processes. The functions of the pituitary gland are the totality of the functions of all the hormones that it synthesizes and transports into the blood. The main tasks of the pituitary gland can be grouped into three groups:

1. Control of other organs of the endocrine system( And , ).

The medullary process regulates the secretion of thyroid hormones, which are responsible for metabolism, the functioning of the stomach, intestines, heart, nervous activity, etc. It also controls the production of adrenal hormones and ensures the reproductive function of women and men.

2. Control of growth and development of organs and tissues.

It is the pituitary gland that is responsible for how tall a person is, how developed his organs are and what size they are, how long the bones are. All Guinness Book records about the tallest and shortest people on the planet are the tricks of the pituitary gland. The height of the tallest person on Earth today is 251.4 cm. And the smallest height is 60 cm!

3. Monitoring the functioning of internal organs - kidneys, mammary glands and uterus in women.

Hormones of the pituitary lobes help control water-salt metabolism, in women during childbirth they ensure contraction of the uterus, and during lactation they participate in the process of secretion of mother's milk.

Differences in the functions of the pituitary gland in men and women

The development of the pituitary gland in men and women proceeds slightly differently. The pituitary gland in children weighs only 0.1-0.15 g and has three developed lobes (anterior, intermediate and posterior). Over the years, the intermediate lobe becomes thinner, and by the age of 10-12 the differences finally appear.

In adult women, the pituitary gland is always slightly larger, and during pregnancy it can almost double in size. This happens due to the fact that the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which produces gonadotropic hormones, increases. These substances are responsible for the secretion of the gonads and provide differences in the functioning of the pituitary gland in representatives of different sexes.

The pituitary gland in women is involved in the growth of ovarian follicles, the formation of the corpus luteum, and is responsible for the onset of ovulation. Maternal instinct, love for the unborn baby and care for the newborn child are also the result of the activity of the endocrine gland. During childbirth, the young mother is also helped by the hormonal substances of the medullary process - they increase the contraction of the uterus, and later support the secretion of milk.

In men, pituitary hormones help produce sperm and ensure sperm viability. The pituitary gland also affects the gonads and causes them to more actively produce progesterone (in women) and androgens (in men).

Disorders of the pituitary gland

Disorders of the pituitary gland can be of three different types:

  • pituitary insufficiency;
  • excess production of hormonal substances;
  • adenoma (small tumor in the body of the pituitary gland).

A lack of pituitary hormones leads to the child developing dwarfism, while brain function is completely preserved (unlike thyroid pathology). With pathology of the adenohypophysis, Simmons' disease can also develop, in which a person rapidly loses weight to the state of “skin and bones”. Impaired secretion of substances that “work” with the gonads leads to delayed sexual development. In men it causes impotence; in women it can cause stunted breast growth.

If the anterior pituitary gland produces growth hormones too actively in childhood, this leads to gigantism; if in adulthood, there is a risk of acromegaly. With this pathology, not the whole body grows, but only individual parts - limbs, chin, nose - and internal organs. The consequence of excessive secretion of gonadotropic substances is decreased libido in men, the menstrual cycle is disrupted in women, and infertility develops. Sometimes such a pituitary disorder manifests itself as a false pregnancy.

With increased secretion of other pituitary substances, the consequence may be diabetes insipidus, and mental disorders are not uncommon.

Pituitary gland adenoma can be of different sizes and manifests itself with severe headaches, vision problems, nervous disorders, infertility, changes in facial features (bite changes, eyebrows protrude).

Pituitary hormones

The pituitary gland is divided into 2 lobes (anterior and posterior), and also includes a thin intermediate layer, which many scientists refer to as the anterior region. Each pituitary structure produces hormones differently. The anterior and intermediate lobes independently synthesize, accumulate and secrete these substances, the posterior lobe accumulates the hormones sent by the hypothalamus, and then releases them into the lymph.

Hormones of the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary gland):

  • thyroid stimulating (TSH);
  • luteotropic (prolactin);
  • somatotropic (STG);
  • adrenocorticotropic (ACTH);
  • gonadotropic: follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH).

The intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland produces melanocyte-stimulating, lipotropic substances, beta-endorphin and some others.

The posterior region (neurohypophysis) produces 2 main hormonal substances - vasopressin and oxytocin. The effect of other neurohypophysis hormones on internal processes is approximately the same. This group includes asparotocin, mesotocin, vasotocin, isotocin, glumitocin and valitocin.

Functions of pituitary hormones

Tropic substances of the anterior pituitary region (TSH, ACTH, FSH, LH) affect the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, which are also called target organs. - T3 and T4. They regulate metabolic processes, the functioning of the nervous, gastrointestinal, and vascular systems.

It also helps break down fats and can enhance skin pigmentation. FSH helps the follicles mature in the female body, LH is responsible for the onset of ovulation and the development of the corpus luteum (temporary endocrine gland).

Provides a complete feeding process, as well as some metabolic and growth processes. In men, it also affects the growth of the prostate gland. HGH is also called growth hormone - it regulates all protein-carbohydrate-fat metabolic processes, controls the growth of both the whole organism and individual organs and tissues.

Melanocyte-stimulating hormones of the intermediate lobe stimulate the production of melatonin and allow the body to cope with the effects of UV rays. Other substances regulate pain and stress reactions, help faster breakdown of fats, etc.

The posterior lobe hormone vasopressin directly affects kidney function, regulates water-salt metabolism, and supports the functioning of the heart and nervous system. Oxytocin helps facilitate childbirth and feed the baby: it stimulates the muscles of the uterus during the birth of the baby, enhances milk production and facilitates its entry into the mammary glands. This hormone also plays a vital role in sexual arousal and ensures a high level of trust and satisfaction in a couple.

Pituitary hormones regulate the functioning of the entire body. Insufficient secretion or excess of important regulators provokes hormonal imbalance, the appearance of external signs of pathologies, and deterioration of health.

It is useful to know what role the pituitary hormones play. A table indicating the types of important regulators, their functions, indicating the causes and symptoms of diseases will help to understand the structure and functions of the pituitary gland.

Pituitary gland: what is it?

The main element of the endocrine system, the endocrine gland. Hormones produced by the anterior, posterior and intermediate lobes affect the regulation of physiological processes and the functioning of the nervous system. With congenital and acquired pathologies of the pituitary gland, deviations in the development and growth of the body are observed, and diseases of varying degrees of severity occur.

The pituitary gland along with the arteries is formed during intrauterine development, already in the fourth or fifth week of pregnancy. The area where the important element is located is the sphenoid bone of the skull, region. The shape is oval, weight is about 5-6 mg, average dimensions are 10 x 12 mm, the gland is more actively developed in women.

Functions of the pituitary gland

The brain appendage affects the condition and functioning of:

  • gonads;
  • adrenal glands;
  • thyroid gland.

The pituitary gland produces hormones. Despite the light weight of the element and the small volume of regulators, the brain appendage is the “coordinator” of the functioning of all systems. Hormones enter directly into the lymph, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid, quickly penetrate tissues and cells, and affect target organs and the entire body.

The pituitary gland influences the rate of growth and development of the body. The pituitary gland controls the functioning of the body.

The production of pituitary hormones depends on the proper functioning of a part of the brain that combines the functions of a nerve formation and an endocrine gland. In certain zones, the transformation of nerve impulses into the secretion of important regulators occurs. Hormone production occurs as needed. After secretion, substances from the diencephalon enter the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

The structure of the endocrine gland

An important part of the brain consists of two zones of unequal volume - the neurohypophysis and the adenohypophysis. The middle part of the medullary appendage connects the main structures of the pituitary gland.

Important details:

  • Anterior lobe larger in volume, the secretion of six (tropic and effector) hormones occurs here, controlling various processes in the body. The endocrine function is more active than in other elements of the pituitary gland.
  • Posterior lobe much smaller (about 1/5 of the total volume of the endocrine gland), oxytocin is also produced in this zone. The posterior lobe receives hormones from the hypothalamus.
  • Intermediate share- This is a narrow area consisting of basophilic cells. The middle part connects the two main areas. This element also produces hormones: lipotropin, endorphin, MSH.

The important pituitary gland consists of three sections:

  • anterior lobe. The area is formed from glandular cells;
  • The intermediate lobe is a narrow zone between the posterior and anterior parts of the pituitary gland. This area is called the “adenohypophysis”;
  • posterior lobe or neurohypophysis. The basis of an important area is neurons.

Note! The brain appendage is an important element that regulates the interaction between the endocrine system and the central nervous system. Deficiency or excess of pituitary hormones negatively affects growth, development, blood pressure stability, heart function, and thyroid function. Regulators are responsible for the response to stress, reproductive function, fat balance, water-salt and carbohydrate metabolism, and many other vital processes.

Regulators of the medullary appendage

Hormones of the anterior pituitary gland:

  • corticotropin();
  • (growth hormone, GH);
  • (gonadotropic hormone);
  • or ;
  • lutropin or .

Intermediate share:

  • endorphin;
  • lipotropin;
  • MSH or melanocyte stimulating hormone.

Hormones of the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland:

  • vasopressin;
  • oxytocin.

Hormones and their functions in the table

What hormones does the pituitary gland produce? It is useful to learn more information about the main regulators:

Name Secretion area Functions
FSH Anterior lobe Controls the process of follicle maturation, the onset of ovulation, and is indispensable for successful conception. The activity of the hormone depends on the stage of the cycle: the highest concentration is towards the end of the first (follicular) phase, with the onset of ovulation
Prolactin Anterior lobe Affects the growth and development of the mammary glands, milk production, the formation of sexual characteristics, the stability of the menstrual cycle, and the level of fertility. Excess prolactin in women negatively affects the level of progesterone and estrogen, and hormonal infertility develops.
Vasopressin Posterior part of the pituitary gland Regulates water metabolism, retains sodium, affects kidney function, stimulates brain activity (in combination with oxytocin). Hormone production increases with a drop in blood pressure, blood loss, and active fluid loss
Somatotropin Anterior lobe The second name is growth hormone. Characteristic is the pulsed release of an important regulator. Determines the linear growth of the skeleton, affects carbohydrate metabolism, stimulates the immune system. After 35 years, somatotropin secretion decreases
LH Anterior lobe The sex regulator stimulates ovulation, the formation of the corpus luteum and the optimal functioning of the temporary endocrine gland in the first weeks of pregnancy. LH deficiency negatively affects the menstrual cycle and fertility
Lipotropin Intermediate share Sufficient secretion of the pituitary hormone stabilizes the thickness of fatty tissue, activates the breakdown of carbohydrates and glucose, filling the body with energy
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone Intermediate share The main function is to stimulate the synthesis of an important pigment that affects skin tone. The more melanin, the darker the skin. A sufficient amount of melanin protects against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Excess MSH provokes active growth of melanocytes and cell malignancy (cancer develops - melanoma)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone Anterior lobe Controls the functioning and secretion of thyroid hormones. Promotes the absorption of iodine, improves blood circulation in the thyroid gland, stimulates the production of thyroid hormones: triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Close connection between the regulators of the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland: dysfunction of one gland affects the functioning of the other according to the feedback principle: the TSH level is higher - T4 and T3 are lower and vice versa
Corticotropin Anterior lobe Adrenocorticotropic hormone affects the functioning of the adrenal glands, their production of cortisol and sexual regulators. ACTH stabilizes a person’s condition during stress, affects reproductive function, growth and development of the body
Oxytocin Posterior part of the pituitary gland The level of the neurotransmitter depends on the mood: stress, pain, anxiety reduce the secretion of the “hormone of joy”. The substance accelerates the formation of maternal instinct, affects the strength of uterine contractions during childbirth, and activates lactation. Strengthens emotional memory. In the male body, the regulator increases potency
Endorphin Intermediate share The hormone regulates the reaction to stress, reduces the pain threshold, reduces appetite

Diseases due to hormonal imbalance

Learn about symptoms in men and how to treat the condition.

A page is written about how to prepare for the intervention and how laparoscopy of an ovarian cyst is performed.

Go to the address and read about how to get rid of a sore throat due to thyroid diseases.

Norm of indicators

Optimal levels of pituitary hormones:

  • LG. It differs in different phases of the cycle, for example, with the onset of ovulation, the level of lutropin ranges from 18.2 to 52.9 mIU/ml.
  • ACTH- from 0 to 50 pg/ml.
  • Somatotropin- from 0 to 10 pg/ml.
  • Prolactin. In women of reproductive age - from 150 to 540 mcg/l, in men - from 100 to 160 mcg/l.
  • Thyrotropin. From 0.24 to 2.9 µIU/ml (by ELISA method).
  • FSH. During the period of ovulation - from 2.7 to 6.7 mIU/ml, in men the concentration is lower - from 1.6 to 2.4 mIU/ml.

Deviations in the secretion of pituitary hormones affect the functioning of the thyroid and adrenal glands, causing disruption of sexual and reproductive function, growth retardation, or an excessive increase in bone length. If signs indicating dysfunction of an important pituitary gland appear, you need to visit an endocrinologist for examination and treatment.

Video about pituitary hormones in normal conditions and in pathologies:

The pituitary gland consists of two anatomically and functionally different parts. There are anterior (adenohypophysis) and posterior (neurohypophysis) lobes. The adenohypophysis, in turn, is divided into the main, intermediate (middle) and tuberal parts.

The anterior lobe of the epididymis accounts for almost 80% of its mass. It synthesizes tropic hormones. Substances produced are deposited in the posterior part of the gland. Next, let's look at the functions of the pituitary gland and its effect on the body.

Role of the pituitary gland

The activity of the cerebral appendage is determined by the action of the hormones it synthesizes. With the help of these substances, the pituitary gland influences the functioning of the adrenal glands and gonads, corrects human growth and organ formation, and controls the activity of all systems. In addition, the medullary appendage stimulates synthesis.

Below we will analyze in detail what hormones the pituitary gland produces, their significance.

Adenohypophysis

The anterior lobe of the cerebral appendage, being the largest, produces six types of active substances.

Four tropic ones that regulate the functioning of the endocrine glands:

  • , or corticotropin;
  • thyroid stimulating substance (TSH), or thyrotropin;
  • gonadotropin or follitropin;
  • luteinizing gonadotropin (LH), or lutropin.

and two effectors, acting directly on the target tissue:

  • , or somatotropin;
  • prolactin.

Hormones of the anterior pituitary gland play the role of activator of the endocrine glands. In other words, the more energetically the substances of the adenohypophysis are synthesized, the lower the level of activity of the endocrine glands.

Intermediate share

The middle part of the appendage by genesis belongs to the adenohypophysis. It is a thin layer of basophilic cells between the anterior and posterior parts of the epididymis.

The intermediate lobe produces its own specific substances:

  • lipotropin;
  • endorphin.

The hormones secreted by the middle lobe of the pituitary gland regulate the pigmentation of human integumentary tissues and, according to recent data, are responsible for the formation of memory. In addition, it is responsible for the individual’s behavior in stressful situations.

Neurohypophysis

The posterior part of the pituitary gland closely interacts with the hypothalamus. The neurohypophysis receives and stores hypothalamic hormones (produced in the hypothalamus), and then releases them into the blood and lymph.

The main hormones of the posterior pituitary gland are responsible for the following body functions:

  • - corrects sexual behavior, affects the contractility of the uterus and enhances the lactation process;
  • Vasopressin affects the human kidneys and vascular system and is considered an antidiuretic.

In addition to these, there are other neurohypophysis hormones that have a similar effect, but have less effect on the body: vasotocin, asparotocin, valitocin, mesotocin, isotocin, glumitocin.

The activity of the cerebral appendage is closely related to the hypothalamus. This applies not only to the neurohypophysis, but also to the anterior and middle parts of the gland, the work of which is controlled by hypothalamic hormones.

Prescription of pituitary hormones

The active substances produced by the appendage play the role of intermediaries between the central nervous system and the endocrine system, controlling the functioning of the entire body. That is why the cerebral appendage is considered one of the main endocrine glands.

The table shows the main pituitary hormones and their functions.

Front end hormones
Corticotropin ACTH is responsible for the degree of activity of the adrenal glands and their synthesis of steroid substances and cortisol. Corticotropin helps to successfully cope with a stressful situation, affects sexual development and reproductive function of a person.
Thyrotropin TSH is one of the hormones of the anterior pituitary gland. It controls the activity of the thyroid gland (improves the absorption of iodine, increases blood circulation) and stimulates the production of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

· Hormones of the thyroid gland and pituitary gland are interconnected: temporary dysfunction of one organ automatically entails an increase in the activity of the other.

What are the functions of the pituitary gland and thyroid gland in the body? They are responsible for metabolism, stable functioning of the cardiovascular and reproductive systems, and the functionality of the gastrointestinal tract.

TSH levels depend on the time of day, age and gender of the person.
Follitropin FSH is responsible for the formation of the priority follicle, and subsequently for its rupture and expulsion from the egg.

The activity of follitropin depends on the phase of the monthly cycle.
Lutropin LH is responsible for the onset of ovulation, the development of the corpus luteum and its functionality within two weeks. The basis of the ovulation test, so popular among those wishing to conceive a child, is an increase in lutropin one day before the release of a mature egg from the ovary.
Somatotropic hormone affects the growth and development of the body. The length of the tubular bones of the arms and legs and protein synthesis depend on it. After 35 years, the level of the substance begins to decline steadily.

In addition, growth hormone works as an immunostimulant, adjusts the amount of carbohydrates, reduces fat deposits, and somewhat dulls the craving for sweets.

The amount of the hormone in the blood changes several times a day. Its maximum is observed at night. During the day, somatropin has many peaks that occur every 4 hours.
Prolactin Together with progesterone, prolactin promotes the growth and development of mammary glands in women, and also regulates the amount of milk during lactation.

In men, it controls the secretion of testosterone and is responsible for spermatogenesis.

In addition, this pituitary hormone is called stress. Its level in the blood increases sharply with excessive physical exertion and emotional stress.
Posterior hormones:
Oxytocin Oxytocin is a neurotransmitter. In men it enhances potency, in women it is responsible for the formation of maternal instinct. The level of the substance increases with a good mood. Anxiety, pain and stress inhibit the production of oxytocin.
Vasopressin The level of vasopressin increases sharply with large blood losses, decreased blood pressure, and dehydration. The substance effectively removes sodium from tissues, saturates them with moisture, and together with oxytocin stimulates brain activity.
Intermediate lobe hormones:
Melanocyte-stimulating MSH is responsible for the production of melanin and protection of the skin from UV rays.

Doctors believe that it is MSH that provokes the active growth of melanocytes and their further degeneration into a cancerous tumor.
Lipotropin The substance stimulates the burning of carbohydrates in the body and reduces fat deposits.
Endorphin Beta-endorphin reduces the threshold of pain and stress, is responsible for the body's reaction in a state of shock, and dulls appetite.

When pathologies associated with the brain appendage appear, its active substances begin to work incorrectly. Against the background of hormonal imbalance, serious illnesses form in the human body: Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, or postpartum necrosis of the pituitary gland, insufficiency of the gonads,.

These pathologies can develop due to dysfunction of the appendage, or, conversely, in the case of excessive activity of the gland. Such diseases require serious medical care and long-term therapy.