Page 22 - The Miracle of Hormones

THE MIRACLE OF HORMONES

has a very important influence on the hormonal system.
Between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland there is a marvelous
system of communication. These two pieces of flesh actually communicate
like two conscious human beings. The hypothalamus has complete control
over the pituitary gland and its vital secretion of several hormones.
For example, the hypothalamus of a growing child sends a message to
the pituitary gland with the command, "secrete the growth hormone" and
the pituitary gland then secretes the growth hormone exactly as needed.
Something similar happens when the cells of the body need to work fast-
er; this time there is a two-stage chain of command. The hypothalamus sends
an order to the pituitary gland which, in turn, sends the order to the thyroid
gland. The thyroid gland secretes the proper amount of thyroid hormone and
the cells of the body begin to work faster.
When the adrenal glands (which
produce several very important hor-
Pineal gland
Hypothalamus
mones) must be activated or the
Pituitary gland
reproductive organs must produce
their hormones, the hypothalamus
Thyroid gland again sends a message to the pitui-
Parathyroid glands
tary gland, which directs it to the rel-
Thymus evant areas and ensures the required
hormones in those areas are secreted.
The hormones produced by the
Adrenal glands
hypothalamus to direct the pituitary
gland include:
Kidney Pancreas
❏ Growth hormone-releasing
hormone
❏ Thyrotropin-releasing hor-
mone
❏ Corticotropin-releasing hor-
The location of the hormonal glands mone
under the control of the hypothalamus
❏ Gonadotropin-releasing hor-
in the body.
mone.

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