PITUITARY HORMONES Meaning and
Definition
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Pituitary hormones refer to a group of hormones that are produced and secreted by the pituitary gland, a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. Also known as the "master gland," the pituitary gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions through the release of its hormones.
The pituitary gland is divided into two main parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary, each responsible for producing specific hormones. The anterior pituitary produces several hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. These hormones are essential for controlling growth, metabolism, reproduction, milk production, and the regulation of other endocrine glands.
On the other hand, the posterior pituitary releases two hormones known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin. ADH helps in the regulation of water balance by controlling the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, while oxytocin is involved in various reproductive processes such as childbirth and lactation.
Overall, pituitary hormones play a vital role in regulating and coordinating many physiological functions within the body, ensuring proper growth, reproductive processes, metabolism, and maintaining homeostasis. Any irregularities or abnormalities in the secretion of these hormones can lead to a range of disorders and hormone imbalances, requiring medical interventions and treatments.
Common Misspellings for PITUITARY HORMONES
- oituitary hormones
- lituitary hormones
- -ituitary hormones
- 0ituitary hormones
- putuitary hormones
- pjtuitary hormones
- pktuitary hormones
- potuitary hormones
- p9tuitary hormones
- p8tuitary hormones
- piruitary hormones
- pifuitary hormones
- piguitary hormones
- piyuitary hormones
- pi6uitary hormones
- pi5uitary hormones
- pityitary hormones
- pithitary hormones
- pitjitary hormones
- pitiitary hormones
Etymology of PITUITARY HORMONES
The word "pituitary" comes from the Latin word "pituita", which denotes "phlegm" or "mucus". This term originated from the belief that the pituitary gland secreted a fluid resembling phlegm.
The term "hormones" is derived from the Greek word "hormon", meaning "to set in motion" or "excite". It was first used in the context of physiology by English physiologist Ernest Starling in 1905 to describe the secretions of endocrine glands that are transported through the bloodstream to target organs.
Therefore, "pituitary hormones" refers to the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, which is a pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain.
