Search results
Results From The WOW.Com Content Network
The pituitary gland or hypophysis is an endocrine gland in vertebrates. In humans , the pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain , protruding off the bottom of the hypothalamus . The human pituitary gland is oval shaped , about 1 cm in diameter, 0.5–1 gram (0.018–0.035 oz) in weight on average, and about the size of a kidney bean .
The pituitary gland is divided into three lobes: the anterior pituitary, the intermediate pituitary lobe, and the posterior pituitary. The hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary's hormone secretion by sending releasing factors, called tropic hormones , down the hypothalamo-hypophysial portal system. [ 3 ]
The tuberoinfundibular pathway transmits dopamine from the hypothalamus to the pituitary gland. This neural circuit plays a pivotal role in the regulation of hormonal balance and, specifically, in modulating the secretion of prolactin from the pituitary gland, which is responsible for breast milk production in females.
Behavioral endocrinology is a branch of endocrinology that studies the Neuroendocrine system and its effects on behavior. [1] Behavioral endocrinology studies the biological mechanisms that produce behaviors, this gives insight into the evolutionary past. [2] The field has roots in ethology, endocrinology and psychology. [3]
The pituitary gland (or hypophysis) is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea and weighing 0.5 grams (0.018 oz) in humans. It is a protrusion off the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, and rests in a small, bony cavity (sella turcica) covered by a dural fold (diaphragma sellae).
The hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis (HPA axis or HTPA axis) is a complex set of direct influences and feedback interactions among three components: the hypothalamus (a part of the brain located below the thalamus), the pituitary gland (a pea-shaped structure located below the hypothalamus), and the adrenal (also called "suprarenal ...
The hypothalamus is located in the brain and secretes GnRH. [1] GnRH travels down the anterior portion of the pituitary via the hypophyseal portal system and binds to receptors on the secretory cells of the adenohypophysis. [2] In response to GnRH stimulation these cells produce LH and FSH, which travel into the blood stream. [3]
Each part of the brain is specialized for different aspects of the human being. [5] For example, the temporal lobe has a major role in vision and audition, whereas the frontal lobe is significant for motor function and problem solving. [2] The spinal cord is attached to the brain and serves as the main connector of nerves and the brain. [5]