How does the hormonal system of the body work, how is it controlled? The brain has a system of 3 appendages known as the adenohypophyseal. It includes 3 structures - the pituitary gland, pineal gland, hypothalamus. We will explain and describe the location of the epiphyseal appendage. This is a separate structure of the brain, which was previously considered unnecessary, useless. But now we know that the pineal gland, or pineal gland, is needed to regulate biorhythms.
Pituitary gland, hypothalamus, pineal gland: functions
All glands that secrete hormones are regulated by the adenohypophyseal system in the brain. The system consists of two parts of the brain, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. What is their function?
The pituitary gland produces most of the vital hormones - antidiuretic, oxytocin, thyrotropic. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is a secret that affects the functioning of the thyroid gland. Corticotropic secretion or ACTH affects the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands. A gonadotropinis a determining factor in the development of sex hormones in both men and women. The pituitary, hypothalamus, pineal, thalamus harmoniously interact with each other and regulate behavior, sleep, reproduction.
The hypothalamus is one of the most important parts of the medulla oblongata. It consists of nuclei, and today the functions of 42 pairs of nuclei are known. In the hypothalamus there are centers of thirst, hunger, regulation of basic emotional states and states of sleep and wakefulness.
There is another important gland - the pineal gland. This is the epiphysis. It is often called the posterior appendage of the brain. The function of the pineal gland is the production of serotonin. Based on serotonin, melatonin is produced.
Location in the brain
Now let's discuss exactly where these structures are located in the brain - the pituitary gland, the hypothalamus, the pineal gland. The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, below in a bony pocket called the Turkish saddle. It is located close to the spinal cord. Through its ducts, all substances produced by the hypothalamic-pituitary system enter the body.
Hypothalamus - hypothalamus, from Greek. department or room. It enters the intermediate part of the brain and is the main regulator of nervous processes. Located under the visual tubercles, behind the middle part of the brain.
Melatonin production
One of the most important hormones needed for sleep is melatonin. It is produced mainly at night. To sleep better, you need to turn off all the lights in the room, then melatonin is produced innecessary volumes.
Peak production occurs between 12 and 2 o'clock. The production rate is 30-35 micrograms. Melatonin has been proven to promote recovery and rejuvenation. Moreover, this hormone has even more antioxidant properties than vitamin E.
Pituitary gland, hypothalamus, pineal gland - these three parts of the brain regulate circadian rhythms - that is, the phases of sleep and wakefulness. A person feels a disruption in the circadian rhythm when he flies several time zones forward or backward.
Adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis
The pituitary gland consists of 3 lobes. Anterior - adenohypophysis, posterior and middle. The middle lobe is mostly located in the leg emanating from the hypothalamus. The adenohypophysis is the largest part of the pituitary gland, contains most of its mass and performs most of its functions.
The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is called the neurohypophysis. This part is located behind the adenohypophysis and performs a secretory and storage function. This department maintains the tone of small vessels, the tone of the uterus during childbirth and regulates the water-s alt balance.
Causes of violations
Disorders of the adenohypophyseal system are quite rare. Any anomaly in the structure of the pituitary, hypothalamus, epiphysis will immediately disrupt the production of hormones of the thyroid, parathyroid and other glands. Consequently, metabolism, sleep, or thyroid energy production suffer.
So what are the causes of pathologies:
- Congenital anomalies in the development of the system.
- Consequences of traumatic brain injury.
- Hemorrhagic brain stroke.
- Tumor. Whether it's benign or malignant, it doesn't matter. There is too little space in the brain.
- Autoimmune disorders in the body.
- Using certain drugs without a doctor's prescription, without the correct dosage.
- Irradiation effects.
All problems that arise regarding the work of the pituitary gland must be addressed in a timely manner. Disturbances in the work of the hormonal system have especially serious consequences in adolescents. After all, they still need to grow and develop, arrange their personal lives.
Pituitary disorders
Strange things happen when growth hormone production by the pituitary gland is disrupted. Those who have an excess of somatotropin (growth hormone) become giants. Their bones do not stop growing after 20-22 years. There are many such cases in history.
And with a lack of a hormone, people do not grow above 120 cm. They are called midgets. They are the same adults, they can retain the functions of childbearing, but they look like children outwardly.
If the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone is disturbed, then the functions of the thyroid gland suffer, which receives a signal to "start" the production of its secrets: thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
Corticotropic hormones pass from the brain to the adrenal cortex. And oxytocin is our main hormone of happiness, which is also necessary for the proper functioning of the mammary glands in women and the functioning of the ovaries.
Sometimes it happens that with an excess of this milk hormone, young girls who have not yet given birth begin to flowbreast milk.
Conclusion
In our brain there is a slender, proven by centuries of evolution, system - adenohypophyseal. Its work is largely influenced by the posterior appendage - the epiphysis. Together, these structures - the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, pineal gland, adenohypophysis - are responsible for controlling hormones throughout the body.
If there is the slightest imbalance in the system, then irreparable changes occur in the development of a young organism. What else is the system responsible for - the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, pineal gland? Melatonin (sleep hormone) is produced when the production of serotonin (happiness hormone) decreases. The system is also responsible for the rhythmic fluctuations in the level of these hormones in the blood.
