Adenohypophysis: what it is, functions and hormones it secretes

Our body is made up of a huge number of different structures, which in turn are made up of millions of cells.

In this great framework, we can find that there are a series of chemical substances secreted by the organism and whose action regulates to a great extent our behavior and allows phenomena such as growth, sexual behavior or the search for food. These are the hormones, which circulate through the endocrine system, in which we can find different structures, some of them at the brain level.

In this sense, the pituitary stands out, which in turn can be divided into several substructures. One of them, which we are going to talk about throughout this article, is the anterior pituitary.

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Adenohypophysis: definition and main functions

It is called the adenohypophysis the anterior and largest portion of the pituitary or pituitary gland. This ovoid-shaped structure is located in the basal part of the brain, below the hypothalamus (with which is connected by the pituitary stalk) and resting in the hollow of the sphenoid bone known as the sella turkish

It is a small brain region of great importance for our development as human beings, its main function being to regulate the emission of a large amount of hormones. It forms part of the neuroendocrine system, and specifically is linked to hormones related to growth, metabolism and sexuality.

This brain region is highly vascularized, and contains large numbers of glandular cells. In this sense, the adenohypophysis is made up of six large types of cells, of which at least five are known to release different hormones. that the anterior pituitary gland secretes and regulates: somatotrophs (which release growth hormone), mammothrapies (which influence the release of prolactin and thyrotropin), corticotropins (secrete corticotropin or ACTH), gonadotropins (linked to sex hormones, in this case follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteal), thyrotrophic (stimulates prolactin synthesis, but especially thyrotropin) and chromophobe (believed to serve to renew possible loss of previous).

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Hormones that govern this structure

The adenohypophysis, as we have seen in the previous section, has the main function of secreting and regulating the levels of different hormones. These hormones are essential when it comes to generating and allowing different biological processes. Among the different hormones it generates, the following stand out.

1. corticotropin

Also known as adrenocorticotropic hormone, this substance It is essential when generating endogenous glucocorticoids., mainly affecting the adrenal glands. Its action generates the stimulation of different hormones by said cortex, which allow them to be regulated aspects such as metabolism (for example, it influences the secretion of insulin), the homeostatic balance and the processes inflammatory.

2. beta-endorphins

Beta-endorphins are other hormones released by the anterior pituitary gland. These are substances that act as endogenous opioids, generally associated with moderate, lessen or even inhibit the sensation of pain. In turn, it generates feelings of pleasure and relaxation. It is generated when making great efforts, or during pregnancy and childbirth.

3. thyrotropin

Fundamental hormone that regulates the functioning of the thyroid, stimulating its action the secretion of thyroid hormones and the regulation of these in the organism.

4. prolactin

This hormone is essentially known to be responsible for generating milk production in the mammary glands after pregnancy (although the hormone itself already begins to increase its amounts during this). Apart from this action, it also influences the growth of the breasts, the inhibition of menstruation and the male refractory period.

5. follicle-stimulating hormone

An essential substance in the sphere of reproduction, follicle-stimulating hormone plays the role of stimulate the production of oocytes and estradiol (in men the same occurs with the formation of sperm). Apart from that too has an effect on physical development and sexual maturation.

6. Luteinizing hormone

This hormone is deeply linked to reproduction and the corpus luteum, one of its best-known roles being to generate the ovulation process. In the male it also plays a role in reproduction and sexuality, since stimulates testosterone production by Leydig cells of the testicles. It also contributes to the genesis of progesterone, in such a way that the implantation of a possible fertilized egg is facilitated.

7. Somatotropin or growth hormone

This hormone is essential, as its name suggests, for the stimulation of growth and physical development. Muscles and bones are affected by this hormone, among other structures. Also It is associated with the consumption and metabolization of fats and nutrients. and its use in the body.

Alterations linked to this brain structure

The adenohypophysis is a fundamental structure for the human being, and its alteration or injury can generate different disorders and consequences of variable severity.

In this sense, it is possible to find that its dysfunction can generate growth alterations, among which we can find both various types of dwarfism and gigantism (due to deficiency or excess of growth hormone). The role of the anterior pituitary gland in the generation of thyroid hormones causes its dysfunction to be is linked to suffering from both hypothyroidism (by default) and hyperthyroidism (by default). excess).

It can also affect reproductive function, affecting both libido (for example, hyperprolactinemia can occur) and the formation of hormones and sex cells themselves. For example, in the case of women, problems could appear or even the cessation of menstruation and the ability to produce eggs. Finally, also can cause or affect metabolic disorders (including diabetes) and cause problems when it comes to metabolizing and using elements such as fats and carbohydrates.