Endocrine gland :- Hypothalamus and Pituitary, location and functions

Hypothalamus and Pituitary glands, their location in the body and function

the hypothalamus has located the base of diencephalon of the forebrain and considered as a neuroendocrine structure rather than a true endocrine gland. its secretion is called neurohormone.

Nerve cells in the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland by producing chemicals that either stimulate or suppress hormone secretions from the pituitary.

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain beneath the hypothalamus and is no larger than a pea. It is often considered the most important part of the endocrine system because it produces hormones that control many functions of other endocrine glands. When the pituitary gland does not produce one or more of its hormones or not enough of them, it is called hypopituitarism.

The pituitary is divided into two parts: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The anterior lobe regulates the activity of the thyroid, adrenals, and reproductive glands.

The anterior lobe produces hormones such as:

growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body's handling of nutrients and minerals

prolactin which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding

thyrotropin which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones

corticotropin which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce certain hormones.

Posterior lobe of the pituitary releases antidiuretic hormone, which helps control the balance of water in the body.

The posterior lobe also produces oxytocin which triggers the contractions of the uterus in a woman having a baby.