The pituitary gland is the most important endocrine gland. It is located at the base of the brain. From the impact of external factors, it is protected from all sides by the bones. The pituitary gland has certain functions, the correct execution of which is very important for the normal functioning of the body.
The three main functions of the pituitary gland
In fact, they are much larger. But for the main it is accepted to take only three functions:
- The pituitary gland is responsible for exercising control over the remaining endocrine glands: the thyroid gland, the adrenal glands, and the sex glands.
- He coordinates the functions of various organs: kidneys, uterus, mammary glands.
- It is thanks to the pituitary that the organs grow and mature.
How does the pituitary gland perform these functions? Everything is quite simple: the iron produces special signaling hormones. The latter have a direct effect on other organs. That is, in fact, the main task of the pituitary gland is to produce hormones.
Hormones of the pituitary gland and their functions
Iron is divided into several parts. In each of them a certain set of substances is produced:
- Thyrotropic hormones regulate the production of T3 and T4 - thyroid hormones. They, in turn, are responsible for metabolic processes and the correct functioning of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular, nervous system.
- Regulation of the reproductive system - that's what the gonadotrophic pituitary hormones do .
- Adrenocorticotropic substances are needed for the synthesis and secretion of cortisol , cortisone, and corticosterone produced in the adrenal cortex.
- Growth hormones are growth hormones.
- For the emergence of maternal instincts, exchange-growth processes, the normalization of the feeding process, luteotropic substances respond.
- Vasopressin , produced in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, functions as a regulator of normal functioning of the kidneys, heart and nervous system.
- Beta-endorphin is one of the most multifunctional. This hormone helps to anesthetize, helps to relieve stress, lowers the tone of the nervous system, if necessary reduces appetite.
- No less functional and oxytocin . At birth, the intensity of uterine contraction depends on it. He also provides milk production during lactation . And it is responsible for sexual arousal.
As you can see, a huge amount of vital processes depends on a gland the size of a large pea.