How does the anterior pituitary communicate with the hypothalamus

Whilst the pituitary gland is known as the master endocrine gland, both of the lobes are under the control of the hypothalamus: the anterior pituitary receives its signals from the parvocellular neurons, and the posterior pituitary receives its signals from magnocellular neurons. The anterior lobe of the pituitary receives hypothalamic-releasing hormones from the hypothalamus that bind with receptors on endocrine cells in the anterior pituitary that regulate the release of adrenal hormones into the circulatory system.

Hormones from the hypothalamus are rapidly degraded in the anterior pituitary, which prevents them from entering the circulatory system. The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland develops as an extension of the hypothalamus. My Preferences My Reading List. Anatomy and Physiology. The Hypothalamus and Pituitary Glands. Quiz: What is Anatomy and Physiology? A cell type may divide and then form a small benign lump, known as a tumour, and the patient may then suffer from the effects of too much of the hormone the cell produces.

If the tumour grows very large, even though still benign, it may squash the surrounding cells and stop them working hypopituitarism , or push upwards and interfere with vision — a visual field defect. Very occasionally, the tumour may expand sideways and cause double vision as it affects the nerves that control eye movements. It should be emphasised that even when these tumours are large, they very rarely spread to other parts of the body.

About Contact Events News. Search Search. You and Your Hormones. Students Teachers Patients Browse. Human body. Home Glands Pituitary gland. Pituitary gland The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland that plays a major role in regulating vital body functions and general wellbeing.

It is referred to as the body's 'master gland' because it controls the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands.