The Endocrine System 245 



hormone), influences the luteinization of the folHcle in the female and 

 possibly stimulates the interstitial cells of the testes. 



The thyrotropic factor is apparently important in maintaining the 

 normal production of iodothyroglobulin. An undersecretion of this 

 factor results in reduced production of the important thyroid hormone ; 

 oversecretion results in a condition similar to that produced by hyper- 

 secretion of iodothyroglobulin. 



Vaginal Epithelium 



Proliferative Phase Secretory Phase 



Uterine Mucosa 



Fig. 73. — A diagram showing the interrelationships of some of the hormones 

 from the anterior lobe of the pituitary. (From Patten: Human Embryology, 

 Copyright, 1953, The Blakiston Company.) 



The adrenocorticotropic factor, popularly known as ACTH, stimu- 

 lates the secretion of cortin by the adrenal cortex. Clinically this is of 

 value in increasing the production of the important cortical hormone. 



