Hypothalmus-Pituitary Complex
Anatomic and Functional Relationship to the Pituitary Gland
The hypothalamus is anatomically and functionally related to the pituitary gland suspended from it by a stem called the infundibulum.
The hypothalamus–pituitary complex is the “command center” of the endocrine system.
The hypothalamus–pituitary 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.
In addition, the hypothalamus–pituitary complex coordinates the messages of the endocrine and nervous systems. 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.
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The hypothalamus–pituitary complex is the “command center” of the endocrine system.
The hypothalamus–pituitary 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.
In addition, the hypothalamus–pituitary complex coordinates the messages of the endocrine and nervous systems.
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.
Next > 01. Additional Functions
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