THE hypophysis it is a small gland located at the base of the brain.
It is considered the master gland of the body, as its main function is to produce hormones that regulate the functioning of other endocrine glands.
Previously, it was called pituitary gland. It is approximately 1 cm in diameter, the size of a pea, and weighs between 0.5 to 1.0 g.
Pituitary Functions
The pituitary has important functions, in addition to controlling other glands, it also contributes to the proper functioning of metabolism and hormone production.
From its relationship with the hypothalamus, the pituitary represents sites of interaction between the endocrine system and the nervous system.
The hypothalamus, which is a region of the brain, regulates the secretory activity of the pituitary. An example is that some hormones from the hypothalamus are sent to the adenohypophysis, via a part of the circulatory system called the portal system, which extends from the base of the hypothalamus to the adenohypophysis.
Learn more about the human body systems that the pituitary is related to:
- endocrine system
- Nervous system
pituitary division
The pituitary is divided into two parts: the anterior or adenohypophysis and the posterior or neurohypophysis.
Adenopituitary
The adenohypophysis originates from the epithelial tissue. It secretes hormones through the influence of the release and secretion of hormones that pass through the hypothalamus in the portal system.
In response to factors arriving from the hypothalamus, it secretes its own hormones, which are proteins, glycoproteins or polypeptides.
See the table below for these hormones.
| Hormone | Description |
|---|---|
| Growing hormone | It is a protein that stimulates tissue growth and helps determine a person's height. It also acts in the regulation of metabolism. In cases of tumors in the hypothalamus or pituitary, this hormone can be produced in excess or in small amounts. |
| prolactin | It is a protein that acts in the production of milk by the mammary glands. It has an uncertain function in men. |
| Adrenocorticotropin | Polypeptide that acts on fat, muscle and pancreatic cells. |
| Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (Thyrotrophin) | A glycoprotein that stimulates the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. |
| Gonadotropins (Follicle Stimulating and Luteinizing) | Gonadotropins are glycoproteins that promote the growth and function of the gonads (ovaries and testes). |
Read more about everything related to anterior pituitary hormones:
- Thyroid
- prolactin
- ovaries
neurohypophysis
The neurohypophysis originates from an extension of the hypothalamus, consisting of nervous tissue.
It is so called because it is an extension of the brain. Its function is to store and secrete two neurohormones that are described in the table below.
| Hormone | Description |
|---|---|
| Antidiuretic (Vasopressin) | Responsible for water reabsorption in the kidneys, reducing urine volume and excessive water loss. |
| Oxytocin | It acts on the stimulation of the muscles of the uterus. It plays an important role in expelling the fetus at the time of delivery. |
Also learn more about: endocrine glands
