The hypophysis and metabolism

Abstract

Functionally the most important of the four parts of the pituitary is the chromophile (principal, distal or anterior**) lobe. Its functions may be classified provisionally as morphogenetic (growth and metamorphosis), (2) endocrine stimulating and regulating (development and maintenance of the gonads, thyroids, adrenal cortex, parathyroids, thymus, etc.) (4) metabolic (either directly or indirectly by itas action on other endocrine glands). The sexual functions are really endocrine and belong in class 2, but they have been placed in as separate group because ot their special importance. This classification is simple and eslastic, but obviously it is not perfect.