hypothalamus
Last reviewed 01/2018
The hypothalamus has a major role in the control of a variety of endocrine systems.
It acts upon the pituitary in two principal ways:
- by the secretion of hormones or prohormones, which are transported to the posterior pituitary
- by the secretion of controlling hormones into the portal hypophyseal circulation - a blood supply running from the hypothalamus to the pituitary. Most of these systems work on negative feedback; notable exceptions include growth hormone releasing hormone and the unusual requirement for pulsed release of gonadotrophin releasing hormone.
growth hormone releasing hormone
gonadotrophin releasing hormone