Anterior Pituitary Hormones - Hormones control cells in the body

The anterior pituitary secretes six hormones including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Growth Hormone (GH),Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), and Prolactin. The secretions are controlled by chemical agents carried in the portal hypophysial vessels from the hypothalamus to the pituitary.

The hypophyseal portal system (or hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system) is the system of blood vessels that link the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary in the brain.

It allows endocrine communication between the two structures. It is part of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. The anterior pituitary receives releasing and inhibitory hormones in the blood. Using these, the anterior pituitary is able to fulfill its function of regulating the other endocrine glands.

It is one three portal systems of circulation in the human body; that is, it involves two capillary beds connected in series by venules. The others are the hepatic portal system and that in the kidneys.

There are six established hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones including corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), growth hormone releasing hormone (GRH), growth hormone inhibiting hormone (GIH), Luteinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) (now known as gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), and prolactin-inhibiting hormone (PIH).

Our hormones control cells in the body. In women, FSH and LH act in sequence on the ovary to produce growth of the ovarian follicle, ovulation, and formation and maintenance of the corpus luteum (which produces the progesterone). Prolactin stimulates lactation. In men, FSH and LH control the functions of the testes.

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