Pulsatile secretion
Pulsatile Secretion
Pulsatile secretion (pronunciation: puhl-suh-tile si-kree-shuhn) is a biological process that involves the intermittent release of hormones in the body. This process is crucial for the regulation of various physiological functions.
Etymology
The term "pulsatile" is derived from the Latin word "pulsatilis", which means "beating or throbbing". The term "secretion" comes from the Latin word "secretio", which means "separation".
Definition
Pulsatile secretion refers to the rhythmic, intermittent release of hormones into the bloodstream. This pattern of hormone release is essential for maintaining the body's homeostasis and regulating various physiological functions such as growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
Mechanism
The mechanism of pulsatile secretion involves the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. The hypothalamus produces and releases hormones in a pulsatile manner, which then stimulate the pituitary gland to release its own hormones in a similar rhythmic pattern.
Importance
Pulsatile secretion is important for the regulation of various physiological functions. For example, the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus is crucial for the regulation of reproduction. Similarly, the pulsatile release of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) is essential for growth and development.
Related Terms
- Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
- Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that controls a wide range of bodily functions, including the release of hormones from the pituitary gland.
- Pituitary Gland: A small gland located at the base of the brain that produces and releases a variety of hormones.
- Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH): A hormone produced and released by the hypothalamus that controls the release of reproductive hormones from the pituitary gland.
- Growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH): A hormone produced and released by the hypothalamus that controls the release of growth hormone from the pituitary gland.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Pulsatile secretion
- Wikipedia's article - Pulsatile secretion
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