Category:Endocrine
From Holoprosencephaly
Overview of the endocrine system
The endocrine system contains ductless glands that regulate certain body functions. These glands do not function on their own. They are activated or restrained by hormones released from the brain. Specifically, the hypothalamus releases hormones that affect the pituitary gland-> the pituitary gland releases hormones that affect specific endocrine glands->the endocrine glands release hormones that affect certain body functions-> the hypothalamus detects levels of these hormones and responds accordingly by releasing more or less of the controlling hormone to maintain the cycle of function.
Hypothalamus
The hypothalamus is a region of the brain that controls many body functions. It is located in the middle of the base of the brain. The hypothalamus links the nervous system to the endocrine system via the pituitary gland.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland, also known as the master gland is a small, round organ that lies immediately beneath the hypothalamus. It is divided into two lobes: the anterior or front lobe (adenohypophysis) and the posterior or rear lobe (neurohypophysis).
How the Hypothalamus affects the Pituitary Gland:
The hypothalamus releases hormones into the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland causing it to secrete: GH-growth hormone FSH-follicle-stimulating hormone LH-luteinizing hormone release TSH-thyroid-stimulating hormone ACTH-adrenocorticotropic hormone MSH-melanocyte-stimulating hormone PRL-prolactin
The posterior pituitary gland serves as a storage and release site of two hormones: (ADH) Antidiuretic hormone and (OT) Oxytocin. The cells that secrete these hormones have cell bodies that originate in the hypothalmus but terminate in the posterior pituitary gland.
Click on these links to learn more about hormonal deficiencies in children with Holoprosencephaly:
[Will my child develop hormonal deficiencies over time?]
[How can hormonal deficiencies be life threatening?]
