Pituitary Gland (hypophysis)
Endocrine gland lying on the underside of the brain that plays a major role in regulating the endocrine system.
· The anterior pituitary lobe secretes six hormones
· that play specific roles in stimulating production of cortisol and androgens by the adrenal cortex (corticotropin),
· growth of eggs and sperm (follicle-stimulating hormone), production of progesterone and testosterone (luteinizing hormone),
· linear growth in children and bone maintenance in adults (growth hormone), milk production (prolactin), and production of thyroid hormone (thyrotropin).
· The posterior lobe stores and releases two hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin, from nerve cells in specialized regions of the hypothalamus that control pituitary function.
· These hormones stimulate uterine contraction and milk secretion (oxytocin) and blood pressure and fluid balance (vasopressin).
1.Androgen
- Any of a group of hormones that mainly influence the development of the male reproductive system.
- The main and most active androgen is testosterone, produced by cells in the testes.
- Androgens produced in smaller quantities, mainly by the adrenal gland but also by the testes, support the functions of testosterone.
- Androgens cause the normal changes of puberty in boys' bodies and then
- influence sperm-cell formation, sexual interest and behaviour, and male pattern baldness. Females produce trace quantities of androgens, mostly in the adrenal glands, as well as in the ovaries.
2.Progesterone
· Steroid hormone secreted by the female reproductive system that functions mainly to regulate the condition of the endometrium (see uterus), preparing it to accept a fertilized egg.
· If the egg is not fertilized, the level of progesterone drops, the uterine lining breaks down, and menstruation ensues.
· If the egg is fertilized (see pregnancy), the placenta produces progesterone, whose effects include preparing the mammary glands for lactation. Many forms of oral contraception use a synthetic progesterone.
3.Testosterone
· Any of a group of hormones that mainly influence the development of the male reproductive system.
· The main and most active androgen is testosterone, produced by cells in the testes.
· Androgens produced in smaller quantities, mainly by the adrenal gland but also by the testes, support the functions of testosterone.
· Androgens cause the normal changes of puberty in boys' bodies and then influence sperm-cell formation, sexual interest and behaviour, and male pattern baldness.
· Females produce trace quantities of androgens, mostly in the adrenal glands, as well as in the ovaries.
4.oxytocin
5.vasopressin
6.prolactin
