The Pituitary Gland

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Abstract A major part of the endocrine system consists of the pituitary gland also known as the Master gland because is controls many body functions. This gland secretes many different hormones into the bloodstream to target organs and is controlled by the hypothalamus. There are two parts to the pituitary gland; one is called the anterior lobe, and the other is the posterior lobe. The pituitary gland has many important function in body growth, metabolism, child birth and many others. If a problem arises within the pituitary gland, or hypothalamus, disorders and tumors may occur. There are three regions of the anterior pituitary which develop a depression in the dorsal wall of the pharynx. The pituitary gland requires a balanced diet to ensure functionality. If not functioning properly, pituitary tumors may result. The Pituitary Gland The body contains a system for communicating, coordinating and controlling the bodies work. This is known as the endocrine system. The endocrine system works together with other systems and glands in the body to maintain and control body energy levels, reproductions, growth and development, homeostasis and responses to stress and injury. To maintain these functions, a network of glands and organs produce, store, and secrete certain hormones to complete different body functions. Hormones, which are chemical messengers, transfer information from one gland to another for important body functions. When the receptor is stimulated, the cell responds to the hormone in specific ways. Endocrine hormones are secreted into the bloodstream, while exocrine hormones are secreted into a duct and go through paracrine signaling. Hormones have many different effects on the body such as mood swings, metabolism regulation, control of the reproductive system, hunger cravings and many others. The glands which are involved in the endocrine system

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