What is The Pituitary Gland in the Human Body What is The Pituitary Gland in the Human Body Know Symptoms And Signs Of Heart Attack In Men What is The Pituitary Gland in the Human Body Hormones are chemical mediators that control and regulate the entire mechanism of the body throughout an individual's lifespan. These hormones are secreted by specific ductless glands spread across various organs of the body. The pituitary gland or hypophysis regulates the hormonal secretions and controls the growth, development, secretions and functioning of other endocrine glands, for example, adrenal glands. This small endocrine gland has got a pea-sized body and is found at the base of brain in the skull cavity lying below the controlling organ, called hypothalamus. Owing to its large impact on the body, pituitary is also known as the “master gland”. Structurally, it can be distinguished into three distinct parts, namely, anterior lobe, the intermediate lobe and posterior lobe. Each lobe has got a different set of functions based on the hormones it synthesizes. The regulation of growth, reproduction, lactation and stress falls under the domain of the anterior pituitary.

The intermediate lobe is concerned with the synthesis and secretion of melanocyte-stimulating hormone. Turning to the posterior lobe, it is functionally connected with the hypothalamus. Fun Facts about Pituitary Gland Measuring about the size of a pea, this pink-colored hormone secreting organ measures 5 grams in weight, and is located in the folds of brain. The height, shape and size of an individual is greatly influenced by the activity of pituitary gland. The excessive secretion of growth hormone leads to increased height and its decreased secretion results in dwarfism. Pituitary gland is called the king of all glands (or master gland) as it controls them all and is in-turn controlled by the Hypothalamus. It is pituitary that serves as the center of sexuality and reproduction in your body. In other words, the secretions of the posterior lobe of the pituitary are responsible for child birth and sexual life of an individual. Though many other parts of the body are actively involved in sexual processes, this gland enjoys a prominent position because it initiates all such processes. Do you know around 30 to 40% percent of population suffers from sexual dysfunction at some time in life?

It is because of the malfunctioning of the pituitary gland. A connection is built between endocrine and nervous systems through hypophysis (an alternative term to denote hypothalamus). The very reason why humans remain hale and healthy with fast healing and recovery phases in the first 50 years of their lifespan is that pituitary gland functions very best for about 50 years. The gland hangs from a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and is connected with the same through a small stalk called the infundibulum. The hypophysis generates and releases nine hormones, in total, into the blood stream which mainly serve to maintain homeostasis in the body. Having its origin in the pituitary gland, the Cushing’s disease is a deadly condition that is very difficult to diagnose and treat. Cortisol or ACTH is a life hormone that is regulated by the pituitary. We would soon die in the absence of this hormone! The pituitary and the thyroid gland are interconnected, rather dependent on each other, for their normal functioning. This important fact is often overlooked by the doctors while dealing with hormonal diseases. The amount of food you eat is determined by the pituitary secretions.

It is because the regulation of metabolic processes falls under the domain of this gland. Also the diseases like bulimia and anorexia have their origin in the pituitary. This master gland also serves as a place for the origin and regulation of lots of mental and emotional processes, including mood and behavior. The regulation of menstrual cycles, opening of the birth canal as well as the secretion of breast milk are the functions to be accomplished by this gland. Disorders of the Pituitary Gland Various pituitary hormones are responsible for a number of vital processes in the body, like maintenance of homeostasis, growth, metabolism, sexuality, reproduction, mood, behavior and so on. Major diseases of the pituitary gland are characterized by either hypersecretion (overproduction) or hypo-secretion (underproduction) of hormones. It may result from a number of underlying factors including tumor development and impaired blood supply to the gland. Some of the major disorders of pituitary gland are listed here along with their relation to specific hormones. Tumors of Pituitary Gland The tumors may be either cancerous or non-cancerous (benign). However, in the majority of the cases, these are benign.

Such a condition gives rise to the deficiency or over production of any one or all of the Pituitary Hormones. As the hormones secreted by this pea-sized organ are used to regulate very critical body organs and glands, their under- or overproduction is sure to affect dozens of vital bodily functions and processes. Sometimes, it may also happen that even after the development of a tumor the affected gland continues working normally. According to the findings of the American Cancer Society, pituitary cancer is very rare and mostly older people fall victim to it. The choice of and appropriate treatment measure depends on the size, stage and nature of the tumor. Surgical removal may also be suggested in more severe cases. Acromegaly Characterized by the hyper-secretion of GH (Growth Hormone), this rare condition results in the excessive growth of bone and organ. The organs like arms, face, feet and legs are more likely to be affected by it. This condition arises from the development of a benign tumor. If left untreated, the condition of acromegaly can also prove to be life-threatening. Its timely treatment, on the other hand, enables the victim lead a normal and healthy life.

After its diagnosis through blood tests and imaging studies, your healthcare provider may choose from among medication, surgery and radiation as a treatment measure as deemed appropriate. GHD A short form for Growth Hormone Deficiency, GHD is characterized by the hypo-secretion of the growth hormone. Children are more often affected by this hormonal disease than adults. It is good to know that only one child out of 7,000 births is found affected with it. If a child is not meeting the standards of height and weight, it should be a point of concern for the parents. The condition is easily treatable, but if left untreated, this disorder results in delayed puberty and shorter-than-average height. Various psychological symptoms, like poor memory, depression, lack of concentration and bouts of anxiety has also been found associated with GHD. Synthetic growth hormones have been used to successfully treat this condition since the mid-1980s. Diabetes Insipidus This disease is caused by the hypo-secretion of vasopressin, a pituitary hormone responsible for the control and regulation of kidney function. As a result of this condition, the affected person has to face excessive thirst and excrete severely dilute urine.

As there are further different types of DI (diabetes insipidus), the suggestion of appropriate treatment measure depends upon the kind and severity of the disorder. Cushing’s Disease Hyper-secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone or cortisol in the body results in the onset of Cushing’s disease. Individuals making overuse of corticosteroid medications are more likely to suffer from it. Upper body weight gain, easy bruising of skin, obesity, fatigue and round shaped skin are some of the symptoms which can be relieved by the use of medications or surgery. Anti-Diuretic Hormone Syndrome If less-than-normal secretion of vasopressin or antidiuretic hormone is the cause of diabetes insipidus, the abnormally high production of this biologically important substance is also problematic. The abnormal production of ADH is triggered by cancer. Seizures, restlessness, loss of appetite and confusion are some of the symptoms. The treatment involves the use of medications that can reduce the fluid retention to avoid further buildup. Sheehan Syndrome A type of hypopituitarism, Sheehan’s syndrome is characterized by the permanent underproduction of essential hormones of the pituitary.

The condition is associated with childbirth and affects the women who lose excessive amount of blood while giving birth to a baby. Though rare in the industrialized countries, this condition is still a great threat to women in the less developed nations. The hormone replacement therapy has proved to be effective in the treatment of this disorder. Hyperpituitarism While Sheehan’s syndrome involved the underproduction of pituitary hormones, hyperpituitarism is characterized by hyper-secretion of any pituitary hormone. This condition occurs specifically when the pituitary gland produces too much amount of growth hormone. In adults, it is known as acromegaly while in children hyperpituitarism is termed as gigantism. Different treatment measures include radiation, hormone replacement therapy, medication and surgical removal of the underlying tumor. Pituitary Gland - Endocrine System Endocrine System Home > Endocrine System > Endocrine Glands of the Head and Neck > Pituitary Gland Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland located in the center of the skull, inferior to the hypothalamus of the brain and posterior to the bridge of the nose.

It is an important link between the nervous and endocrine systems and releases many hormones which affect growth, sexual development, metabolism and human reproduction. The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is connected to the hypothalamus of the brain by a tiny isthmus of nervous tissue called the infundibulum.... Move up/down/left/right: Click compass arrows Rotate image: Click and drag in any direction, anywhere in the frame Identify objects: Click on them in the image 2D Interactive 3D Rotate & Zoom Change Anatomical System Hypothalamus, Pituitary Gland and Pineal Gland Full Pituitary Gland Description [Continued from above] . . . It sits within a small cavity in the sphenoid bone of the skull known as the hypophyseal fossa. Thus the sphenoid bone surrounds and protects the delicate pituitary gland from damage by external forces. While the pituitary gland has previously been considered to be a single structure in the body, further study of its structure has revealed that in fact it is made of two structurally and functionally distinct regions.

The anterior pituitary gland or adenohypophysis is a true hormone-producing gland made of glandular epithelium. The posterior pituitary gland or neurohypophysis is an extension of nervous tissue from the hypothalamus that stores and releases two hormones produced in the hypothalamus. Surrounding the pituitary gland are several important blood vessels that support its tissues and transport hormones. The superior hypophyseal artery provides blood flow to a bed of capillaries surrounding the hypothalamus and the infundibulum. Releasing and inhibiting hormones produced by the hypothalamus are secreted into this capillary bed and carried by the hypophyseal portal veins to the capillary bed surrounding the anterior pituitary. These hormones are used to control the output of hormones from the anterior pituitary. From the capillary bed of the anterior pituitary, blood – including any hormones secreted into it – is returned to the heart and the rest of the body via the anterior hypophyseal veins.

Blood to the capillaries surrounding the posterior pituitary gland travels through a separate network via the inferior hypophyseal artery and is returned to the heart by the posterior hypophyseal veins. The anterior pituitary gland produces seven important hormones: human growth hormone (hGH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH). Each of these hormones targets specific receptors in the body to stimulate specific glands and tissues in the body. The thyroid gland, ovaries, testes, mammary glands, and the cortex of the adrenal glands are all stimulated by the hormones of the anterior pituitary, resulting in the pituitary gland being known as the “master gland” for its control of the endocrine system. More modern studies now show that, while still important, the anterior pituitary is subservient to the control of the hormones of the hypothalamus.

Releasing hormones from the hypothalamus, such as thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) and gonadotropic-releasing hormone (GnRH), stimulate the anterior pituitary to release TSH, FSH, and LH. Inhibiting hormones, such as growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH), prevent the secretion of hormones hGH and TSH. Prepared by Tim Taylor, Anatomy and Physiology Instructor pituitary gland | anatomy | Britannica.com Pituitary gland Alternative Titles: hypophysis, hypophysis cerebri Related Topics vasopressin Pituitary gland, also called hypophysis, ductless gland of the endocrine system that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. The term hypophysis (from the Greek for “lying under”) refers to the gland’s position on the underside of the brain . The pituitary gland is sometimes called the “master gland,” because its hormones regulate other important endocrine glands—including the adrenal, thyroid, and reproductive glands (e.g., ovaries and testes )—and in some cases have direct regulatory effects in major tissues, such as those of the musculoskeletal system.

The anatomy of the mammalian pituitary gland, showing the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis), the … Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Anatomy of the pituitary gland The pituitary gland lies at the middle of the base of the skull and is housed within a bony structure called the sella turcica, which is behind the nose and immediately beneath the hypothalamus . The pituitary gland is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk composed of neuronal axons and the so-called hypophyseal-portal veins. Its weight in normal adult humans ranges from about 500 to 900 mg (0.02 to 0.03 ounce). Medial view of the left hemisphere of the human brain. Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. In most species the pituitary gland is divided into three lobes: the anterior lobe, the intermediate lobe, and the posterior lobe (also called the neurohypophysis or pars nervosa). In humans the intermediate lobe does not exist as a distinct anatomic structure but rather remains only as cells dispersed within the anterior lobe.

Nonetheless, the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary are functionally, anatomically, and embryologically distinct. Whereas the anterior pituitary contains abundant hormone-secreting epithelial cells, the posterior pituitary is composed largely of unmyelinated (lacking a sheath of fatty insulation) secretory neurons. The anterior pituitary The cells of the anterior pituitary are embryologically derived from an outpouching of the roof of the pharynx , known as Rathke’s pouch. Although the cells appear to be relatively homogeneous under a light microscope, there are in fact at least five different types of cells, each of which secretes a different hormone or hormones. The thyrotrophs synthesize and secrete thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone; TSH); the gonadotrophs , both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH); the corticotrophs, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; corticotropin); the somatotrophs, growth hormone (GH; somatotropin); and the lactotrophs, prolactin .

Gonadotroph cells (indicated by arrows) constitute about 10 percent of the pituitary gland and … Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) Similar Topics Somatotrophs are plentiful in the anterior pituitary gland, constituting about 40 percent of the tissue. They are located predominantly in the anterior and the lateral regions of the gland and secrete between one and two milligrams of GH each day. Structure and function of anterior pituitary hormones The hormones of the anterior pituitary are proteins that consist of one or two long polypeptide chains. TSH, LH, and FSH are called glycoproteins because they contain complex carbohydrates known as glycosides . Each of those hormones is composed of two glycopeptide chains, one of which, the alpha chain, is identical in all three hormones. The other chain, the beta chain, differs in structure for each hormone, thereby explaining the different actions of TSH, LH, and FSH. As is the case for all protein hormones, the hormones of the anterior pituitary are synthesized in the cytoplasm of the cells as large inactive molecules called prohormones.

Those prohormones are stored in granules, within which they are cleaved into active hormones and are secreted into the circulation. Each pituitary hormone plays a vital role in endocrine function. Thyrotropin stimulates the production of thyroid hormone. ACTH stimulates the production of cortisol and androgenic hormones by the adrenal cortex. FSH stimulates the production of estrogens and the growth of egg cells (oocytes) in the ovaries in women and sperm cells in the testes in men. LH stimulates the production of estrogens and progesterone by the ovaries in women and the production of testosterone by the testes in men. GH stimulates linear growth in children and helps to maintain bone and other tissues in adults. Prolactin stimulates milk production. The pituitary gland secretes multiple hormones, including melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH, or … Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc. Human Body: Fact or Fiction? Feedback loops involving the pituitary hormones and their target glands play an important role in pituitary-hormone signaling. TRH secretion, for example, is inhibited by thyroid hormone, which also inhibits the effect of TRH on thyrotrophs.

Such negative feedback loops help to maintain a stable balance between the secretion of pituitary hormones and the secretion of hormones produced by pituitary target glands. Physiological perturbations, such as the effects of stress on the pituitary-adrenal axis and neuroendocrine rhythms, can override that balance. Posterior pituitary hormones The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland consists largely of extensions of processes ( axons ) from two pairs of large clusters of nerve cell bodies (nuclei) in the hypothalamus . One of those nuclei, known as the supraoptic nuclei, lies immediately above the optic tract, while the other nuclei, known as the paraventricular nuclei, lies on each side of the third ventricle of the brain . Those nuclei, the axons of the cell bodies of nerves that form the nuclei, and the nerve endings in the posterior pituitary gland form the neurohypophyseal system. There are neural connections that run from those nuclei to other regions of the brain, including to regions that sense osmolality (solute concentrations) and regulate thirst.

The major neurohypophyseal hormones are vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin , which are synthesized and incorporated into neurosecretory granules in the cell bodies of the nuclei. Those hormones are synthesized as part of a precursor protein that includes one of the hormones and a protein called neurophysin . After synthesis and incorporation into neurosecretory granules, the precursor protein is cleaved, forming separate hormone and neurophysin molecules, which remain loosely attached to one another. Those granules are carried through the axons and are stored in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Upon stimulation of the nerve cells by internal or external events (e.g., breast suckling in the case of oxytocin-secreting neurons), the granules fuse with the cell wall of the nerve endings, the hormone and neurophysin dissociate from one another, and both the hormone and the neurophysin are released into the bloodstream. The hormones are released into the circulation in response to nerve signals that originate in the hypothalamus and are transmitted to the posterior pituitary lobe.

Connect with Britannica Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Pinterest Oxytocin stimulates contraction of the uterus , an important aspect of labour and parturition and of milk ejection during breast-feeding. Vasopressin raises blood pressure and increases reabsorption of water from the kidneys, thus conserving body water and defending against dehydration. Vasopressin secretion is stimulated by decreased serum osmolality, which is an indication of dehydration. Diseases of the anterior and posterior pituitary Decreased secretion of anterior and posterior pituitary hormones is known as panhypopituitarism , a serious and sometimes fatal disorder. The term panhypopituitarism is also commonly used when only anterior pituitary hormones are deficient. Patients with panhypopituitarism usually have features of adrenal insufficiency, hypothyroidism , and gonadal failure, along with poor responses to stress. Pituitary vascular insufficiency, autoimmunity , infections, and neoplasms can cause panhypopituitarism. If central diabetes insipidus is present, the lesion generally involves the posterior as well as the anterior pituitary.

Isolated deficiencies of one or two pituitary hormones also may occur, often on a heritable basis. Those conditions are rare. Some patients may present with infertility due to LH and FSH deficiency. Proportionate congenital growth failure due to GH deficiency is a predominant type of isolated deficiency. Tumours that secrete individual anterior pituitary hormones are recognized (see pituitary tumour ). Acromegaly due to GH-secreting tumours and Cushing syndrome due to ACTH-producing tumours are among the most-common disorders produced by functional pituitary tumours, though even those conditions are rare. Autonomous hypersecretion of prolactin is a common feature of pituitary tumours, since such growths tend to interfere (via tissue compression) with prolactin-suppressing signals from the hypothalamus. Excess prolactin typically is associated with varying degrees of gonadal failure and in some cases with spontaneous breast-milk secretion ( galactorrhea ) in men and women.

Posterior pituitary tumours that secrete excess vasopressin or oxytocin do not occur; however, functional states of excess vasopressin (inappropriate vasopressin secretion) and transient vasopressin deficiency have been described. Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis Cerebri) Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis Cerebri) Human Anatomy » Body Systems » Endocrine System » Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis Cerebri) The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis cerebri, is an important endocrine gland of human body. The hormones produced by this gland influence the activities of many other endocrine glands, and for this reason it is often referred to as “The Master Endocrine Gland”. It is obviously vital to life. Location: The pituitary gland is situated in the Sella turcica of the Sphenoid bone, and is attached to the undersurface of the brain via its infundibulum. It is covered by a dural fold called Diaphragma sellae, which has a central aperture for the infundibulum. Owing to its location, the gland is well protected.

Structure: Pituitary gland is a small oval structure about the size of a pea and weighing about 0.5 grams. It is functionally connected to the hypothalamus via a small tube like structure called the Infundibulum or Pituitary Stalk. The pituitary gland is divided into two lobes, which have different embryologic origin; Anterior lobe or Adenohypophysis: It arises from an invagination of the oral ectoderm that forms Rathke’s pouch Posterior lobe or Neurohypophysis: It originates from neuroectoderm and develops as an extension of the hypothalamus. Anatomic Relations: Superiorly: Diaphragma sella, Optic chiasma Inferiorly: Sphenoid bone What is the pituitary gland? | The Pituitary Foundation What is the pituitary gland? What is the pituitary gland? The pituitary is an important gland in the body. It's often referred to as the 'master gland'. It controls several of the other hormone glands (e.g. adrenals, thyroid). What tests should I ask for?

Pituitary condition tests It is usually about the size of a pea and consists of two parts (often called lobes). A front part, called the anterior pituitary and a back part, called the posterior pituitary. The pituitary gland sits in a bony hollow called the pituitary fossa. This is behind the bridge of the nose and below the base of the brain, close to the optic nerves. It is often considered the most important part of the endocrine system because it produces hormones that control many functions of other endocrine glands. The anterior pituitary makes several important hormones: Growth hormone Puberty hormones (or gonadotrophins) Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH, which stimulates the thyroid gland to make Thyroxine) Prolactin and Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone (ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal stress hormone, cortisol). The posterior pituitary makes the fluid balance hormone called anti-diuretic hormone (ADH). What can go wrong with my pituitary gland? The most common problem with the pituitary gland occurs when a benign growth (often referred to as 'adenoma' or 'tumour') develops.

This can cause the gland to produce excess hormone, or it can block hormone production, or it can be 'non functioning' (hormone production not affected in any way). Other rarer causes of pituitary disorders can include, for example, traumatic brain injury and pituitary infarction (also known as pituitary apoplexy). The endocrine system The endocrine system consists of various glands situated in different parts of the body. Each gland produces different hormones which regulate the activity of other organs and tissues in the body. These hormones are released directly into the blood through the relevant gland. Pituitary Gland Function, Location & Definition | Body Maps Your message has been sent. OK We're sorry, an error occurred. We are unable to collect your feedback at this time. However, your feedback is important to us. Please try again later. Close Pituitary gland The pituitary gland is a pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus, to which it is attached via nerve fibers. It is part of the endocrine system and produces critical hormones, which are chemical substances that control various bodily functions.

The pituitary is divided into three sections: the anterior, intermediate, and posterior lobes. The anterior lobe is mainly involved in development of the body, sexual maturation, and reproduction. Hormones produced by the anterior lobe regulate growth, and stimulate the adrenal and thyroid glands, as well as the ovaries and testes. It also generates prolactin, which enables new mothers to produce milk. The intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland releases a hormone that stimulates the melanocytes, cells which control pigmentation — like skin color — through the production of melanin. The posterior lobe produces antidiuretic hormone, which reclaims water from the kidneys and conserves it in the bloodstream to prevent dehydration. Oxytocin is also produced by the posterior lobe, aiding in uterine contractions during childbirth and stimulating the production and release of milk.

Pituitary Gland (part of the Endocrine System) Horses respond to human facial expressions - 11 Feb 2016 The Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland (also known as the "hypophysis") is one of the glands of the endocrine system , which consists of several glands whose function is to produce and release ("secret") chemical "messengers" called hormones . The hormones then move around the body via blood vessels to reach "target cells" that have receptors that recognise the specific hormone molecule (s) able to regulate the activity of that particular cell and hence the tissue or organ of which it is a part. The pituitary gland has been called the "master gland" of the human endocrine system because it secrets some hormones that control other endocrine glands by stimulating them to release specific hormones. However, the pituitary gland itself also has a "master", which is the hypothalamus - the region of the brain that regulates the interaction of the endocrine system and the nervous system. So, some of the hormones secreted by the pituitary gland ... control other endocrine glands by secreting hormones that stimulate certain other endocrine glands e.g.

adrenal glands , to release their hormones (that is, hormones that are not synthesized in the pituitary gland), while other hormones secreted by the pituitary gland ... act directly on target cells in the body e.g. human growth hormone (HGH) , which acts on cells in many parts of the body. Location of the Pituitary Gland As shown in the diagram on the right, the pituitary gland is small gland (typically just over 1cm in adults) located at the base of the skull. Its location may be described as: "Approximately in the centre of the head, behind the bridge of the nose, below the base of the brain, near the optic nerves". A shorter and also accurate description is: "At the base of the brain, inside the sella turcica - which is a depression located towards the centre of the superior surface of the sphenoid bone". The pituitary gland hangs in two parts called 'lobes' that rest in and are protected by the pituitary fossa*, which is also called the sella turicica, and is a deep saddle-shaped depression in the superior (i.e.

upper) surface of the sphenoid bone immediately below the pituitary gland. The sphenoid bone is a wedge-shaped bone that been described as resembling "a bat with wings extended" (Gray's Anatomy), see the image below. * As stated on features and markings on bones , the term "fossa" is usually used to describe and refer to a shallow depression on the surface of a bone. Structure of the Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland hangs from the base of the brain and is attached to the hypothalamus (part of the brain) by a short stalk-like structure called the infundibulum and also known as the infundibular stem and the pituitary stalk, which consists of many nerve fibres (axons). How many lobes does the pituitary gland have ? The pituitary gland is often described as consisting of two lobes, the anterior lobe ("adenohypophysis") and the posterior lobe ("neurohypophysis"). As their names suggest, the anterior lobe is located in front of, i.e. "anterior to" the posterior lobe.

Some more detailed descriptions of the pituitary gland state that it consists of three lobes: the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland (also called the adenohypophysis) the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland, and the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (also called the neurohypophysis) However, whereas in some animals the three lobes of the pituitary are distinct, in humans the intermediate lobe is only a few cells thick and is often considered part of the anterior pituitary lobe - it is useful to include this information if mentioning the intermediate pituitary in descriptions for introductory anatomy courses. It is important to distinguish between the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland because they have different structures. Although both the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland secret important hormones, only the anterior lobe produces ("synthesizes") the hormones it secretes. The posterior pituitary gland receives hormones that were synthesized in the hypothalamus and stores them in neurosecretory vesicles called "Herring Bodies" before secreting them into the bloodstream.

Hormones released by the Pituitary Gland from the Anterior Lobe of the Pituitary Gland from the Posterior Lobe of the Pituitary Gland Endocrine System Endocrine System Sistema endócrino Although we rarely think about them, the glands of the endocrine system and the hormones they release influence almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. The endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, and metabolism, as well as sexual function and reproductive processes. In general, the endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth. Faster processes like breathing and body movement are controlled by the nervous system . But even though the nervous system and endocrine system are separate systems, they often work together to help the body function properly. About the Endocrine System The foundations of the endocrine system are the hormones and glands. As the body's chemical messengers, hormones transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. Although many different hormones circulate throughout the bloodstream, each one affects only the cells that are genetically programmed to receive and respond to its message.

Hormone levels can be influenced by factors such as stress, infection, and changes in the balance of fluid and minerals in blood . A gland is a group of cells that produces and secretes, or gives off, chemicals. A gland selects and removes materials from the blood, processes them, and secretes the finished chemical product for use somewhere in the body. Some types of glands release their secretions in specific areas. For instance, exocrine glands, such as the sweat and salivary glands, release secretions in the skin or inside of the mouth. Endocrine glands, on the other hand, release more than 20 major hormones directly into the bloodstream, where they can move to cells in other parts of the body. continue Parts of the Endocrine System The major glands that make up the human endocrine system are the hypothalamus, pituitary, thyroid, parathyroids, adrenals, pineal body, and the reproductive glands, which include the ovaries and testes. The pancreas is also part of this hormone-secreting system, even though it is also associated with the digestive system because it also produces and secretes digestive enzymes.

Although the endocrine glands are the body's main hormone producers, some non-endocrine organs — such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, thymus, skin, and placenta — also produce and release hormones. The Hypothalamus The hypothalamus, a collection of specialized cells that is located in the lower central part of the brain, is the primary link between the endocrine and nervous systems. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland by producing chemicals that either stimulate or suppress hormone secretions from the pituitary. Although it is no bigger than a pea, the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain just beneath the hypothalamus, is considered the most important part of the endocrine system. It's often called the "master gland" because it makes hormones that control several other endocrine glands. The production and secretion of pituitary hormones can be influenced by factors such as emotions and seasonal changes. To accomplish this, the hypothalamus relays information sensed by the brain (such as environmental temperature, light exposure patterns, and feelings) to the pituitary.

previous continue The Pituitary Gland The tiny pituitary gland is divided into two parts: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The anterior lobe regulates the activity of the thyroid, adrenals, and reproductive glands. Among the hormones it produces are: growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body's handling of nutrients and minerals prolactin, which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding thyrotropin, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones corticotropin, which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce certain hormones The pituitary also secretes endorphins, chemicals that act on the nervous system to reduce sensitivity to pain. In addition, the pituitary secretes hormones that signal the ovaries and testes to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women. The posterior lobe of the pituitary releases antidiuretic hormone, which helps control body water balance through its effect on the kidneys and urine output; and oxytocin, which triggers the contractions of the uterus that occur during labor.

The Thyroid and Parathyroids The thyroid, located in the front part of the lower neck, is shaped like a bow tie or butterfly and produces the thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine. These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to produce energy. As the level of thyroid hormones increases in the bloodstream, so does the speed at which chemical reactions occur in the body. Thyroid hormones also play a key role in bone growth and the development of the brain and nervous system in children. The production and release of thyroid hormones is controlled by thyrotropin, which is secreted by the pituitary gland. Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that function together called the parathyroids. They release parathyroid hormone, which regulates the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin, which is produced in the thyroid. previous continue The Adrenal Glands The body has two triangular adrenal glands, one on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which produces a set of hormones and has a different function.

The outer part, the adrenal cortex, produces hormones called corticosteroids that influence or regulate salt and water balance in the body, the body's response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function. The inner part, the adrenal medulla, produces catecholamines, such as epinephrine. Also called adrenaline, epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body experiences stress. (Epinephrine injections are often used to counteract a severe allergic reaction.) The Pineal Gland and Gonads The pineal body, also called the pineal gland, is located in the middle of the brain. It secretes melatonin, a hormone that may help regulate the wake–sleep cycle. The gonads are the main source of sex hormones. In males, they are located in the scrotum. Male gonads, or testes, secrete hormones called androgens, the most important of which is testosterone.

These hormones regulate body changes associated with sexual development, including enlargement of the penis, the growth spurt that happens during puberty, and the appearance of other male secondary sex characteristics such as deepening of the voice , growth of facial and pubic hair, and the increase in muscle growth and strength. Working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also supports the production of sperm by the testes. The female gonads, the ovaries, are in the pelvis. They produce eggs and secrete the female hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is involved in the development of female sexual features such as breast growth, the build-up of body fat around the hips and thighs, and the growth spurt that happens during puberty. Both estrogen and progesterone are also involved in pregnancy and the regulation of the menstrual cycle . The Pancreas The pancreas produces (in addition to others) two important hormones, insulin and glucagon. They work together to maintain a steady level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood and to keep the body supplied with fuel to produce and maintain stores of energy.

previous continue What the Endocrine System Does Once a hormone is secreted, it travels from the endocrine gland through the bloodstream to target cells designed to receive its message. Along the way to the target cells, special proteins bind to some of the hormones. The special proteins act as carriers that control the amount of hormone that is available to interact with and affect the target cells. Also, the target cells have receptors that latch onto only specific hormones, and each hormone has its own receptor, so that each hormone will communicate only with specific target cells that possess receptors for that hormone. When the hormone reaches its target cell, it locks onto the cell's specific receptors and these hormone-receptor combinations transmit chemical instructions to the inner workings of the cell. When hormone levels reach a certain normal or necessary amount, further secretion is controlled by important body mechanisms to maintain that level of hormone in the blood. This regulation of hormone secretion may involve the hormone itself or another substance in the blood related to the hormone.

For example, if the thyroid gland has secreted adequate amounts of thyroid hormones into the blood, the pituitary gland senses the normal levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream and adjusts its release of thyrotropin, the pituitary hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Another example is parathyroid hormone, which increases the level of calcium in the blood. When the blood calcium level rises, the parathyroid glands sense the change and decrease their secretion of parathyroid hormone. This turnoff process is called a negative feedback system. previous continue Problems With the Endocrine System Too much or too little of any hormone can be harmful to the body. For example, if the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, a child may grow excessively tall. If it produces too little, a child may be abnormally short. Controlling the production of or replacing specific hormones can treat many endocrine disorders in children and adolescents, some of which include: Adrenal insufficiency. This condition is characterized by decreased function of the adrenal cortex and the consequent underproduction of adrenal corticosteroid hormones. The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may include weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, dehydration, and skin changes.

Doctors treat adrenal insufficiency by giving replacement corticosteroid hormones. Cushing syndrome. Excessive amounts of glucocorticoid hormones in the body can lead to Cushing syndrome. In children, it most often results when a child takes large doses of synthetic corticosteroid drugs (such as prednisone) to treat autoimmune diseases such as lupus. If the condition is due to a tumor in the pituitary gland that produces excessive amounts of corticotropin and stimulates the adrenals to overproduce corticosteroids, it's known as Cushing disease. Symptoms may take years to develop and include obesity, growth failure, muscle weakness, easy bruising of the skin, acne, high blood pressure, and psychological changes. Depending on the specific cause, doctors may treat this condition with surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or drugs that block the production of hormones. Type 1 diabetes . Previously known as juvenile diabetes, this condition happens when the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin. In children and teens, it's usually the result of an autoimmune disorder in which specific immune system cells and antibodies produced by the immune system attack and destroy the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin.

Symptoms include excessive thirst, hunger, urination (peeing), and weight loss. Type 1 diabetes can cause long-term complications, including kidney problems, nerve damage, blindness, and early coronary heart disease and stroke. To control their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes complications, kids need regular injections of insulin. Type 2 diabetes . Unlike type 1 diabetes, in which the body can't produce normal amounts of insulin, in type 2 diabetes the body can't respond to insulin normally. Children and teens who have it tend to be overweight, and it is believed that excess body fat plays a role in this insulin resistance. In fact, the rate of type 2 diabetes in kids has risen along with the dramatically increasing rates of obesity among kids. The symptoms and possible complications of type 2 diabetes are basically the same as those of type 1. Some kids and teens can control their blood sugar level with dietary changes, exercise, and oral medications, but many will need to take insulin injections like those with type 1 diabetes. Growth hormone problems. Too much growth hormone in children who are still growing will make their bones and other body parts grow excessively, resulting in gigantism.

This rare condition is usually caused by a pituitary tumor and can be treated by removing the tumor. In contrast, when the pituitary gland fails to produce adequate amounts of growth hormone, a child's growth in height is impaired. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) may also occur in kids with growth hormone deficiency, particularly in infants and young children with the condition. Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are excessively high. Symptoms may include weight loss, nervousness, tremors, excessive sweating, increased heart rate and blood pressure, protruding eyes, and a swelling in the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter). In kids this is usually caused by Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder in which specific antibodies produced by the immune system stimulate the thyroid gland to become overactive. The disease may be controlled with medications or by removal or destruction of the thyroid gland through surgery or radiation treatments. Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are abnormally low.

Thyroid hormone deficiency slows body processes and may lead to fatigue, a slow heart rate, dry skin, weight gain, constipation, and, in kids, slowing of growth and delayed puberty. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which results from an autoimmune process that damages the thyroid and blocks thyroid hormone production, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in kids. Infants can also be born with an absent or underdeveloped thyroid gland, resulting in hypothyroidism. It can be treated with oral thyroid hormone replacement. Precocious puberty . Body changes associated with puberty may occur at an abnormally young age in some kids if the pituitary hormones that stimulate the gonads to produce sex hormones rise prematurely. An injectable medication is available that can suppress the secretion of these pituitary hormones (known as gonadotropins) and arrest the progression of sexual development in most of these children. Endocrine System Endocrine System El sistema endocrino Ever dozed through chemistry class and wondered what chemistry had to do with you? A lot! Your body produces its own chemicals and uses them to control certain functions, and the main system that coordinates these chemicals is called the endocrine system. What Is the Endocrine System?

Although we rarely think about the endocrine system, it influences almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. The endocrine system plays a role in regulating mood, growth and development, tissue function, metabolism, and sexual function and reproductive processes. In general, the endocrine system is in charge of body processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth. Faster processes like breathing and body movement are controlled by the nervous system. But even though the nervous system and endocrine system are separate systems, they often work together to help the body function properly. The foundations of the endocrine system are the hormones and glands. As the body's chemical messengers, hormones transfer information and instructions from one set of cells to another. Many different hormones move through the bloodstream, but each type of hormone is designed to affect only certain cells. A gland is a group of cells that produces and secretes, or gives off, chemicals. A gland selects and removes materials from the blood, processes them, and secretes the finished chemical product for use somewhere in the body. Some types of glands release their secretions in specific areas.

For instance, exocrine (pronounced: EK-suh-krin) glands, such as the sweat and salivary glands, release secretions in the skin or inside the mouth. Endocrine glands, on the other hand, release more than 20 major hormones directly into the bloodstream where they can be transported to cells in other parts of the body. The major glands that make up the human endocrine system include the: hypothalamus continue Hypothalamus The hypothalamus (pronounced: hi-po-THAL-uh-mus), a collection of specialized cells that is located in the lower central part of the brain, is the main link between the endocrine and nervous systems. Nerve cells in the hypothalamus control the pituitary gland by producing chemicals that either stimulate or suppress hormone secretions from the pituitary. Pituitary Although it is no bigger than a pea, the pituitary (pronounced: puh-TOO-uh-ter-ee) gland, located at the base of the brain just beneath the hypothalamus, is considered the most important part of the endocrine system.

It's often called the "master gland" because it makes hormones that control several other endocrine glands. The production and secretion of pituitary hormones can be influenced by factors such as emotions and changes in the seasons. To accomplish this, the hypothalamus provides information sensed by the brain (such as environmental temperature, light exposure patterns, and feelings) to the pituitary. The tiny pituitary is divided into two parts: the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The anterior lobe regulates the activity of the thyroid, adrenals, and reproductive glands.

The anterior lobe produces hormones such as: growth hormone, which stimulates the growth of bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body's handling of nutrients and minerals prolactin (pronounced: pro-LAK-tin), which activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding thyrotropin (pronounced: thy-ruh-TRO-pin), which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones corticotropin (pronounced: kor-tih-ko-TRO-pin), which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce certain hormones The pituitary also secretes endorphins (pronounced: en-DOR-fins), chemicals that act on the nervous system and reduce feelings of pain. In addition, the pituitary secretes hormones that signal the reproductive organs to make sex hormones. The pituitary gland also controls ovulation and the menstrual cycle in women. The posterior lobe of the pituitary releases antidiuretic (pronounced: an-ty-dy-uh-REH-tik) hormone, which helps control the balance of water in the body.

The posterior lobe also produces oxytocin (pronounced: ahk-see-TOE-sin), which triggers the contractions of the uterus in a woman having a baby. previous continue Thyroid The thyroid (pronounced: THY-royd), located in the front part of the lower neck, is shaped like a bow tie or butterfly and produces the thyroid hormones thyroxine (pronounced: thy-RAHK-sin) and triiodothyronine (pronounced: try-eye-oh-doe-THY-ruh-neen). These hormones control the rate at which cells burn fuels from food to produce energy. The production and release of thyroid hormones is controlled by thyrotropin (pronounced: thy-ruh-TRO-pin), which is secreted by the pituitary gland. The more thyroid hormone there is in a person's bloodstream, the faster chemical reactions occur in the body. Why are thyroid hormones so important? There are several reasons — for example, they help kids' and teens' bones grow and develop, and they also play a role in the development of the brain and nervous system in kids.

Parathyroids Attached to the thyroid are four tiny glands that function together called the parathyroids (pronounced: par-uh-THY-roydz). They release parathyroid hormone, which regulates the level of calcium in the blood with the help of calcitonin (pronounced: kal-suh-TOE-nin), which is produced in the thyroid. Adrenal Glands The body also has two triangular adrenal (pronounced: uh-DREE-nul) glands, one on top of each kidney. The adrenal glands have two parts, each of which produces a set of hormones and has a different function: The outer part, the adrenal cortex, produces hormones called corticosteroids (pronounced: kor-tih-ko-STER-oydz) that influence or regulate salt and water balance in the body, the body's response to stress, metabolism, the immune system, and sexual development and function. The inner part, the adrenal medulla (pronounced: muh-DUH-luh), produces catecholamines (pronounced: kah-tuh-KO-luh-meenz), such as epinephrine (pronounced: eh-puh-NEH-frun).

Also called adrenaline, epinephrine increases blood pressure and heart rate when the body experiences stress. previous continue Pineal The pineal (pronounced: pih-NEE-ul) body, also called the pineal gland, is located in the middle of the brain. It secretes melatonin (pronounced: meh-luh-TOE-nin), a hormone that may help regulate when you sleep at night and when you wake in the morning. Reproductive Glands The gonads are the main source of sex hormones. Most people don't realize it, but both guys and girls have gonads. In guys the male gonads, or testes (pronounced: TES-teez), are located in the scrotum. They secrete hormones called androgens (pronounced: AN-druh-junz), the most important of which is testosterone (pronounced: tess-TOSS-tuh-rone). These hormones tell a guy's body when it's time to make the changes associated with puberty , like penis and height growth, deepening voice, and growth in facial and pubic hair.

Working with hormones from the pituitary gland, testosterone also tells a guy's body when it's time to produce sperm in the testes. A girl's gonads, the ovaries (pronounced: OH-vuh-reez), are located in her pelvis. They produce eggs and secrete the female hormones estrogen (pronounced: ESS-truh-jen) and progesterone (pronounced: pro-JESS-tuh-rone). Estrogen is involved when a girl begins to go through puberty. During puberty, a girl will experience breast growth, will begin to accumulate body fat around the hips and thighs, and will have a growth spurt. Estrogen and progesterone are also involved in the regulation of a girl's menstrual cycle. These hormones also play a role in pregnancy. Although the endocrine glands are the body's main hormone producers, some other organs not in the endocrine system — such as the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, and skin — also produce and release hormones. Pancreas The pancreas (pronounced: PAN-kree-us) is also part of the body's hormone-secreting system, even though it is also associated with the digestive system because it produces and secretes digestive enzymes.

The pancreas produces (in addition to others) two important hormones, insulin (pronounced: IN-suh-lin) and glucagon (pronounced: GLOO-kuh-gawn). They work together to maintain a steady level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood and to keep the body supplied with fuel to produce and maintain stores of energy. previous continue What Does the Endocrine System Do? Once a hormone is secreted, it travels from the endocrine gland that produced it through the bloodstream to the cells designed to receive its message. These cells are called target cells. Along the way to the target cells, special proteins bind to some of the hormones. These proteins act as carriers that control the amount of hormone that is available for the cells to use. The target cells have receptors that latch onto only specific hormones, and each hormone has its own receptor, so that each hormone will communicate only with specific target cells that have receptors for that hormone. When the hormone reaches its target cell, it locks onto the cell's specific receptors and these hormone-receptor combinations transmit chemical instructions to the inner workings of the cell. When hormone levels reach a certain normal amount, the endocrine system helps the body to keep that level of hormone in the blood.

For example, if the thyroid gland has secreted the right amount of thyroid hormones into the blood, the pituitary gland senses the normal levels of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Then the pituitary gland adjusts its release of thyrotropin, the hormone that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Another example of this process is parathyroid hormone, which increases the level of calcium in the blood. When the blood calcium level rises, the parathyroid glands sense the change and reduce their secretion of parathyroid hormone. This turnoff process is called a negative feedback system. previous continue Things That Can Go Wrong Too much or too little of any hormone can be harmful to your body. For example, if the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone, a teen may grow excessively tall. If it produces too little, a teen may be unusually short. Doctors can often treat problems with the endocrine system by controlling the production of hormones or replacing certain hormones with medication. Endocrine problems that can affect teens include: Adrenal insufficiency. This condition occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough corticosteroids. The symptoms of adrenal insufficiency may include weakness, fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea, dehydration, and skin changes.

Doctors treat adrenal insufficiency with medications to replace corticosteroid hormones. Type 1 diabetes . When the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin, type 1 diabetes (previously known as juvenile diabetes) occurs. In kids and teens, type 1 diabetes is usually an autoimmune disorder, which means that some parts of the body's immune system attack and destroy the cells of the pancreas that produce insulin. To control their blood sugar levels and reduce the risk of developing diabetes problems, kids and teens with this condition need regular injections of insulin. Type 2 diabetes. Unlike type 1 diabetes, in which the body can't produce normal amounts of insulin, in type 2 diabetes the body can't respond to insulin normally. Kids and teens with the condition tend to be overweight. Some kids and teens can control their blood sugar level with dietary changes, exercise, and oral medications, but many will need to take insulin injections like people with type 1 diabetes. Growth hormone problems. Too much growth hormone in kids and teens who are still growing will make their bones and other body parts grow excessively. This rare condition (sometimes called gigantism) is usually caused by a pituitary tumor and can be treated by removing the tumor.

The opposite can happen when a kid or teen has a pituitary glad that doesn't produce enough growth hormone. Doctors may treat these growth problems with medication. Hyperthyroidism . Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are very high. In kids and teens, the condition is usually caused by Graves' disease, an immune system problem that causes the thyroid gland to become very active. Doctors may treat hyperthyroidism with medications, surgery, or radiation treatments. Hypothyroidism . Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood are very low. Thyroid hormone deficiency slows body processes and may lead to fatigue, a slow heart rate, dry skin, weight gain, and constipation. Kids and teens with this condition may also grow more slowly and reach puberty at a later age. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an immune system problem that often causes problems with the thyroid and blocks the production of thyroid hormone. Doctors often treat this problem with medication. Precocious puberty. If the pituitary glands release hormones that stimulate the gonads to produce sex hormones too early, some kids may begin to go through puberty at a very young age.

This condition is called precocious puberty. Kids and teens who are affected by precocious puberty can be treated with medication that will help them develop at a normal rate. An Overview of the Pituitary Gland - The Endocrine System’s Master Gland An Overview of the Pituitary Gland The Endocrine System’s Master Gland Pituitary Gland Essentials The hormones of the pituitary gland help regulate the functions of other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland has two parts—the anterior lobe and posterior lobe—that have two very separate functions. The hypothalamus sends signals to the pituitary to release or inhibit pituitary hormone production. The pituitary gland is often dubbed the “master gland” because its hormones control other parts of the endocrine system, namely the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. However, the pituitary doesn’t entirely run the show. In some cases, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to stimulate or inhibit hormone production. Essentially, the pituitary acts after the hypothalamus prompts it.

Anatomy of the Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland is only about 1/3 of an inch in diameter (that’s about as large as a pea) and located at the base of the brain. Since their functions are so intertwined, it’s no surprise that the hypothalamus and pituitary are located near each other. They’re actually connected by the pituitary stalk, or more technically, the infundibulum. The pituitary glands are made of the anterior lobe and posterior lobe. The anterior lobe produces and releases hormones. The posterior lobe does not produce hormones per se—this is done by nerve cells in the hypothalamus—but it does release them into the circulation. Hormones of the Pituitary Gland The hormones of the pituitary gland send signals to other endocrine glands to stimulate or inhibit their own hormone production. For example, the anterior pituitary lobe will release adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to stimulate cortisol production in the adrenal glands when you’re stressed. The anterior lobe releases hormones upon receiving releasing or inhibiting hormones from the hypothalamus.

These hypothalamic hormones tell the anterior lobe whether to release more of a specific hormone or stop production of the hormone. Anterior Lobe Hormones: Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH works with LH to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes. Growth hormone (GH): GH is essential in early years to maintaining a healthy body composition and for growth in children. In adults, it aids healthy bone and muscle mass and affects fat distribution. Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH works with FSH to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes. Prolactin: Prolactin stimulates breast milk production. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones. The posterior lobe contains the ends of nerve cells coming from the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends hormones directly to the posterior lobe via these nerves, and then the pituitary gland releases them. Posterior Lobe Hormones: Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): This hormone prompts the kidneys to increase water absorption in the blood.

Oxytocin: Oxytocin is involved in a variety of processes, such as contracting the uterus during childbirth and stimulating breast milk production. Diseases and Disorders of the Pituitary Gland Pituitary tumors are the most common pituitary disorder, and many adults have them. However, they are not, in the great majority of cases, life threatening. But that doesn’t mean they’re harmless—pituitary tumors can disrupt the gland’s normal ability to release hormones. There are two types of pituitary tumors—secretory and non-secretory. Secretory tumors secrete too much of a hormone, and non-secretory tumors don’t secrete excess hormone. These hormonal imbalances can cause problems in many different areas of the body. If you have a secretory tumor that is overproducing thyroid-stimulating hormone, for instance, you will experience hyperthyroidism. Another pituitary disorder is known as pituitary apoplexy. In some cases, pituitary function can be suddenly disrupted (due to bleeding or trauma), creating a life-threatening shortage of vital hormones. If you think you may have a problem with your pituitary gland, you should talk to an endocrinologist.

He or she will help diagnose and treat your hormone-related condition. The pituitary gland is immensely important to the overall function of your endocrine system—and to your overall health. By working with the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland ensures that all your body’s internal processes work as they should.

Question: In the human body the hypophysis is better known as what gland?
Answer: Pituitary gland