Services and Programs
Services and Programs
Pediatric Endocrinology
The Endocrine System -- Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland or hypophysis is a small gland about 1 centimeter
in diameter or the size of a pea. It is nearly surrounded by bone
as it rests in the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone.
The gland is connected to the hypothalamus of the brain by a slender
stalk called the infundibulum.
There are two distinct regions in the gland: the anterior lobe
(adenohypophysis) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis). The
activity of the adenohypophysis is controlled by releasing hormones
from the hypothalamus. The neurohypophysis is controlled by nerve
stimulation.
Hormones of the Anterior Lobe (Adenohypophysis)
Growth hormone is a protein that stimulates the growth of bones,
muscles, and other organs by promoting protein synthesis. This hormone
drastically affects the appearance of an individual because it influences
height. If there is too little growth hormone in a child, that person
may become a pituitary dwarf of normal proportions but small stature.
An excess of the hormone in a child results in an exaggerated bone
growth, and the individual becomes exceptionally tall or a giant.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone, or thyrotropin, causes the glandular
cells of the thyroid to secrete thyroid hormone. When there is a
hypersecretion of thyroid-stimulating hormone, the thyroid gland
enlarges and secretes too much thyroid hormone.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone reacts with receptor sites in the cortex
of the adrenal gland to stimulate the secretion of cortical hormones,
particularly cortisol.
Gonadotropic hormones react with receptor sites in the gonads,
or ovaries and testes, to regulate the development, growth, and
function of these organs.
Prolactin hormone promotes the development of glandular tissue
in the female breast during pregnancy and stimulates milk production
after the birth of the infant.
Hormones of the Posterior Lobe (Neurohypophysis)
Antidiuretic hormone promotes the reabsorption of water by the
kidney tubules, with the result that less water is lost as urine.
This mechanism conserves water for the body. Insufficient amounts
of antidiuretic hormone cause excessive water loss in the urine.
Oxytocin causes contraction of the smooth muscle in the wall of
the uterus. It also stimulates the ejection of milk from the lactating
breast.
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