One of the endocrine glands, it lies beneath the hypothalamus (at the base of the brain). Along with the other endocrine glands, the pituitary helps to control long-term bodily processes. This control is accomplished via interdependent secretion of hormones along with the other glands comprising the total endocrine system. For example, the pituitary helps to control the body’s growth from birth until the end of puberty, by secreting growth hormone (GH). Secretion of GH by the pituitary is itself governed by the hormone known as growth hormone-releasing factor (GHRF), received by the pituitary gland from the hypothalamus.
The pituitary gland also helps to control reproduction (e.g., development and growth of ovaries, timing of ovulation, maturation of oocytes, etc.) by secreting two gonadotropic (reproductive) hormones named luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Secretion of LH and FSH by the pituitary is itself governed by the hormones gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH, received by pituitary from the hypothalamus) and estrogen/progesterone (received by pituitary from the ovaries).
A small gland at the base of the brain that secretes substances that affect hormone production and bodily functions.
The main endocrine gland in the body which secretes hormones that stimulate other glands.
Small gland in the brain which secretes substances necessary for basic life processes, such as growth.
The master endocrine gland located at the base of the brain; secretes a number of tropic hormones that activate other endocrine organs. ACTH is an example. The pituitary gland also releases growth hormone as well as a number of other hormones that have direct action on metabolic processes.
One of the key organs that produce hormones, a tiny gland attached to the hypothalamus in the brain; sometimes called the master gland, because it regulates the activities of so many other glands and organs in the body.
Small endocrine gland attached to the hypothalamus that releases many hormones controlling many body activities and influencing the activity of many other endocrine glands. It is divided into anterior and posterior portions, each with separate functions.
Hypophysis; so-called “master gland” that orchestrates endocrine function.
The master endocrine gland: a pea-sized body attached beneath the hypothalamus in a body cavity at the base of the skull. It has an anterior lobe (adenohypophysis), which secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone, ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone), gonadotropins, growth hormone, prolactin, lipotropin, and melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The secretion of all these hormones is regulated by specific hormone releasing factors, which are produced in the hypothalamus. The posterior lobe (neurohypophysis) secretes vasopressin and oxytocin, which are synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to the pituitary, where they are stored before release.
Also known as the pituitary body and the hypophysis, this is an ovoid structure, weighing around 0-5 gram in the adult. It is attached to the base of the brain, and lies in the depression in the base of the skull known as the sella turcica. The anterior part is called the adenohypophysis and the posterior part the neurohypophysis. The gland is connected to the hypothalamus of the brain by a stalk known as the hypophyseal or pituitary stalk.
A small, gray, rounded gland that develops from ingrown oral epithelium (Rathke’s pouch) and is attached to the lower surface of the hypothalamus by the infundibular stalk. The Rathke’s pouch portion forms the anterior lobe and an intermediate area; the neural tissue of the infundibular stalk forms the posterior lobe. The pituitary gland averages 1.3 X 1.0 X0.5 cm in size and weighs 0.55 to 0.6 g.
The most complex organ of the endocrine system. It affects almost every physiologic process of the body: growth, blood pressure, contractions during childbirth, breast-milk production, sexual organ functions in both women and men, thyroid gland function, and the conversion of food into energy (metabolism).
A small endocrine gland, located at the base of the brain, that controls activities such as growth rate, metabolism, and reproduction.
The endocrine system houses a gland commonly known as the master gland, which plays a pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions. This gland, through its intricate production of hormones, assumes control over the activities of other glands within the endocrine system. Its influence extends to numerous bodily functions, with a particular emphasis on facilitating growth.
Often dubbed the “master gland,” the pituitary is the most crucial among the endocrine glands, which secrete hormones directly into the bloodstream.
It oversees the functions of other endocrine glands and numerous bodily processes.
The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized organ connected to the hypothalamus by a strand of nerve fibers, located just above the gland in the brain. The hypothalamus governs the pituitary’s activities through nerve signals and by producing substances known as hormone-releasing factors.
The pituitary gland is made up of three sections: the anterior, intermediate, and posterior lobes.
The anterior lobe of the pituitary produces the majority of its hormones, including growth hormone, prolactin, ACTH (adrenocorticotrophic hormone), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), and the gonadotrophins FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). The intermediate lobe releases melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). The release of these hormones is prompted by hormone-releasing factors originating from the hypothalamus.
The posterior lobe of the pituitary releases ADH and oxytocin. While these hormones are created in the hypothalamus, they travel down nerve fibers to be stored in the posterior lobe until required.
The human pituitary gland is a small, reddish-grey organ weighing around 0.57 grams, nestled within a bony structure known as the sella turcica. It’s connected to the brain’s base by a stalk. Structurally, the gland is divided into a larger anterior lobe (pars glandularis) and a smaller posterior lobe (pars neuralis), with other sections known as the pars intermedia and pars tuberalis. Historically, this gland was named “pituitary” under the mistaken belief that it produced nasal mucus. Today, it’s understood to be one of the most critical endocrine glands. It’s remarkable how such a tiny organ can exert extensive influence over the body’s functions. The hormones from its anterior lobe play roles in body growth, thyroid gland operations, adrenal gland functions, sexual organ activities, and possibly the functions of the parathyroid glands. It’s also responsible for milk production in the breasts. Meanwhile, the hormone from its posterior lobe impacts blood pressure, kidney operations, and can induce contractions in smooth muscles, such as the uterus. It’s also referred to as the hypophysis cerebri.