The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland,located at the brain base. Its size is small, about a pea. The pituitary gland is subdivided into three parts: posterior, intermediate and anterior. Each of the lobes is an independent gland and produces its hormones.
Hormones of the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland are protein. Six hormones of this fraction are presented in pure form with respect to the chemical composition. Today the composition and structure of the hormones of the anterior lobe are thoroughly studied. Although the exact amount of hormones that it secrete is still unknown.
Hormones of the pituitary gland, or rather its anterior lobe,are important for many processes occurring in the body. The most important of these is growth hormone. He is more responsible than other hormones for the full growth of the body. If you remove the pituitary gland, then the person will stop growing. According to the experiments, it was found that the additional introduction of growth hormone to young animals leads to an acceleration of their growth. In humans, taking this hormone leads to the resumption of body growth. Growth hormone helps to reduce the excretion of nitrogen from the body as a result of metabolism. This leads to a more rapid formation of new tissues.
Hormones of the pituitary gland and their functions are well studiedhumanity. Violation of their secretion leads to malfunctions in the body. The lack of growth hormone leads to the cessation of growth, and its excess causes gigantism. Uneven hormone production is a consequence of the disproportionate development of the limbs. Hormones of the pituitary gland affect the state of the genitourinary system in women.
The thyroid-stimulating hormone that produces the pituitary gland is a stimulant for normal thyroid activity. When removing the pituitary gland does not perform its functions.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone is necessary fornormal work of the adrenal glands. But in the absence of the pituitary gland they also continue to perform their functions. But the amount of hormone that regulates the balance of sodium and potassium in the human body decreases.
Gonadotropic hormones are involved in two processes. The first process is to participate in the process of egg production in the female body and sperm in the male body. The second - in the development of the female and male hormones. Too many of these hormones lead to sexual maturation, which is faster than body growth. Removal of the pituitary gland stops reproductive function and significantly reduces sexual desire.
Hormones of the pituitary gland are actively involved in the processdistribution in the body of carbohydrates consumed with food. They play an important role in the metabolism. Adrenocorticotropic hormone and growth hormone are of great importance here. They affect the activity of the pancreas and the production of insulin. Insulin deficiency leads to a serious disease, known as diabetes.
The intermediate and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland alsoproduce hormones that participate in the vital activity of the body. The hormone oxytocin plays an important role for contraction of the uterus during labor, for the walls of the intestine, the bladder and the gallbladder. The hormone vasopressin is responsible for the normalization of the fluid that is released through the kidneys. The cessation of activity of the posterior lobe leads to so-called diabetes insipidus. In this case, the body loses a large amount of fluid (up to 38 liters), which must be constantly replenished in the same amount.
Hormones of the pituitary gland play a huge role invital activity of the human body. They participate in many processes occurring in the body, and affect the work of many organs. The removal of the pituitary leads to irreversible consequences and a malfunction in the vital activity of the whole organism.
