What Is an Endocrinologist?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
6. Hypothalamus and the Pituitary Gland
The hypothalamus is a gland that is found at the top of the brain stem, just below the thalamus. It is responsible for helping to control important processes such as breathing, heart rate, appetite, and sleeping. At the base of the hypothalamus is the pituitary gland, another hormone-releasing gland.
The pituitary gland produces and secretes hormones that help to regulate other glands. In addition, it secretes hormones that help to regulate growth and sexual development. The pituitary gland is also sometimes referred to as the master gland because of the influence it has over the other glands in the body.
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