21. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus
21. The pituitary gland and hypothalamus
- Gillian Pocock, Gillian PocockSenior Lecturer in Clinical Science, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK
- Christopher D. RichardsChristopher D. RichardsEmeritus Professor of Experimental Physiology, Division of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences, University College London, London, UK
- and David A. RichardsDavid A. RichardsAssociate Professor, Department of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences, Husson University School of Pharmacy, Bangor, Maine, USA
Abstract
This chapter reviews the nervous and endocrine systems. These are both concerned with communication within the body. It explains how nerves communicate through rapid, specific electrical signals, whereas the endocrine system uses hormones as chemical signals to regulate physiological processes. Nevertheless, the nervous and endocrine systems are closely linked via the control that the hypothalamus exerts over the pituitary gland. The chapter explores the hypothalamo-pituitary system and provides a brief description of the principal hormones of the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland. The actions of the individual hormones deal with their target glands through hormonal control of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
