Hypothalamus is located at the center of the brain.
The main function of the hypothalamus is to maintain hemostasis.It is the center for temperature
regulation hunger thirst, sleep sexual response and blood pressure.
Hormones of hypothalamus are:-
1.Growth hormone releasing hormone
2.Gonadotropin releasing hormone or gonadotropic hormone
3.Corticotropin releasing hormone or corticotropic
4.thyrotropin releasing hormone or thyrotropic hormone
5.somatostatin
6.dopamine:-
PITUITARY GLAND:-
Pituitary gland is commonly known as the master gland.It is a pea sized gland located at the
base of the brain below hypothalamus.It is connected to the hypothalamus by hypophyseal
stalk.
Pituitary gland helps in metabolism and growth of body tissues
Pituitary gland or hypophysis is divided into three main lobes .
Anterior lobe
Intermediate lobe
Posterior lobe
1.Anterior lobe or adenohypophysis:-it secretes following hormones
Growth hormone
Luteinizing hormone
Follicle stimulating hormone
Adrenocorticotropic hormone
Thyroid stimulating hormone
Prolactin or prolactin releasing hormone
Growth hormone:-
Hypersecretion of growth hormone in childhood causes gigantism
Hypersecretion of growth hormone in adolescents causes acromegaly
Hyposecretion of growth hormone in childhood causes dwarfism.
Prolactin hormone:-helpful in sucking reflexes and production of milk.
Hyperprolactinemia:-overproduction of prolactin hormone.this may cause tumor in the pituitary
gland.
Symptoms are blood loss in both sexes, loss of sexual drive, infertility,in males there is erectile
dysfunction and gynecomastia,in females vaginal dryness absence of menstruation.
Diagnosis:-serum hormonal assay CT scan and MRI
Treatment:-bromocriptine and cabergoline are the drugs which can reduce prolactin levels.
2.INTERMEDIATE LOBE OR PARAS INTERMEDIA:-it produces only one hormone, melanocyte
stimulating hormone,it is responsible for color of skin and iris.
3.POSTERIOR LOBE:-also known as neurohypophysis,it secretes two hormones
Antidiuretic hormone
Oxytocin