Adenohypofysistä

Adenohypofysistä, also known as the anterior pituitary, is the glandular lobe of the pituitary gland. It is located at the front of the pituitary and is responsible for synthesizing and secreting a variety of hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions. These hormones are released into the bloodstream and act on target organs throughout the body.

The adenohypofysistä is composed of several distinct cell types, each dedicated to producing specific hormones. Somatotrophs produce growth hormone (GH), which is crucial for growth and metabolism. Lactotrophs produce prolactin, involved in milk production. Gonadotrophs secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), collectively known as gonadotropins, which regulate reproductive functions in both males and females. Corticotrophs produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands. Thyrotrophs secrete thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland.

The activity of the adenohypofysistä is controlled by the hypothalamus, a region of the brain located directly above the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that travel through a specialized vascular system, the hypophyseal portal system, to the adenohypofysistä. These hypothalamic hormones either stimulate or suppress the release of the adenohypofysistä's hormones, thereby maintaining hormonal homeostasis. Dysfunction of the adenohypofysistä can lead to various endocrine disorders, such as pituitary dwarfism, gigantism, Cushing's disease, and infertility, depending on which hormone secretion is affected.