It has both neural and endocrine functions, producing and secreting many hormones. The hypothalamus is a structure of the diencephalon of the brain located anterior and inferior to the thalamus ( ). In many cases, a stimulus received by the nervous system must pass through the hypothalamus–pituitary complex to be translated into hormones that can initiate a response. In addition, the hypothalamus–pituitary complex coordinates the messages of the endocrine and nervous systems.
This complex secretes several hormones that directly produce responses in target tissues, as well as hormones that regulate the synthesis and secretion of hormones of other glands. The hypothalamus–pituitary complex can be thought of as the “command center” of the endocrine system. Identify the six hormones produced by the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, their target cells, their principal actions, and their regulation by the hypothalamus.Identify the two hormones released from the posterior pituitary, their target cells, and their principal actions.Explain the interrelationships of the anatomy and functions of the hypothalamus and the posterior and anterior lobes of the pituitary gland.By the end of this section, you will be able to:
