Hüpofüüsi

Hüpofüüsi, also known as the pituitary gland, is a small endocrine gland located at the base of the brain, beneath the hypothalamus. It is a crucial component of the endocrine system, responsible for producing and secreting a variety of hormones that regulate numerous bodily functions. The pituitary gland is divided into two main lobes: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary, each with distinct functions and origins.

The anterior pituitary, also called the adenohypophysis, produces and releases hormones such as growth hormone (GH), which stimulates growth and cell reproduction; prolactin (PRL), which stimulates milk production; thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland; adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal cortex; follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which are gonadotropins involved in reproduction. These hormones are controlled by releasing and inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus.

The posterior pituitary, also called the neurohypophysis, does not produce its own hormones but stores and releases hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus. These include antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, which regulates water balance by affecting the kidneys, and oxytocin, which plays roles in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Hormones are released from the posterior pituitary in response to nerve signals from the hypothalamus.

Disorders of the pituitary gland can lead to a wide range of health problems due to hormonal imbalances. These can include growth disorders, reproductive issues, thyroid problems, and other metabolic disturbances. Diagnosis and treatment of pituitary disorders typically involve blood tests, imaging studies like MRI, and hormone replacement therapy or surgical intervention in some cases.