Once a hormone is released, the first step is the specific binding of the chemical signal to a hormone receptor, a protein within the target cell or built into the plasma membrane (Morin & Dark, 1994). The receptor molecule is essential to a hormone's function. The receptor molecule translates the hormone and enables the target cell to respond to the hormone's chemical signal (Morin & Dark, 1994). The meeting of the hormone with the receptor cell initiates responses from the target cell. These responses vary according to target cell and lipid solubility (Morin & Dark, 1994). Hormones more or less function as a stimulant, promoting an action in a target cell which can be magnified in stimulating organs or even systems (Morin & Dark, 1994). Hormone stimulation varies from growth and metabolic functions to ova and sperm production.
The Pituitary and Hypothalamus Glands.
Many of the endocrine glands are influenced by the pituitary gland, which is in turn influenced by the hypothalamus. The endocrine glands influence moods, behavior, and even personality (LeDoux, 1996). The hypothalamus and pituitary gland are two parts of the brain that have important roles in integrating the nervous and endocrine systems. The hypothalamus is found in the lower part of the brain in the midbrain where it functions in receiving messages from nerves and integrating them into endocrine gland responses (LeDoux, 1996). The hypothalamus functions as the communication link between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The hypothalamus regulates the secretion of various hormones by controlling the main hormonal gland, the pituitary gland (LeDoux, 1996). .
The pituitary gland releases hormones that control many of the endocrine system's functions. The pituitary gland releases these hormones when signaled to by the hypothalamus (LeDoux, 1996). The pituitary gland has numerous functions which are performed by its" two parts.