Page 10 - Module 1-Anatomy and Physiology of Growth Hormone Function Final (Interactive)
P. 10

Module 1: Anatomy and Physiology of Growth Hormone



               Anterior pituitary lobe

               In contrast to the posterior pituitary, the anterior pituitary does manufacture
               hormones. These hormones are regulated primarily by “releasing hormones”
               secreted by the hypothalamus.

               Anterior lobe hormones
               As you can see from Table 2, the anterior lobe of the pituitary produces several
               hormones.
               Table 2: Hormones produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary

                         Hormone                                       Function

                                               Regulates bone growth and physical development and has
                                               important effects on increasing muscle mass and reducing
                   Growth hormone (GH)
                                               fat tissue. GH is a single-chain protein of 191 amino acids
                                               with a molecular size of approximately 22 kDa.
                    Thyroid-stimulating        Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
                      hormone (TSH)
                    Adrenocorticotropic        Stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other
                     hormone (ACTH)            steroid hormones.

                    Follicle-stimulating       Stimulate the testes to produce sperm, the ovaries to
                    hormone (FSH) and          produce eggs, and the sex organs to produce sex
                 luteinizing hormone (LH)      hormones (testosterone and estrogen).

                                               In females, stimulates the mammary glands of the breasts
                                               to produce milk. In males, physiologic levels enhance
                          Prolactin
                                               luteinizing hormone receptors, resulting in testosterone
                                               secretion, which leads to spermatogenesis.

               Although all hormones play an important role in normal human physiology and
               function, we will focus primarily on GH for the remainder of this module.



































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