Learn more. The pituitary gland is sometimes called the "master" gland of the endocrine system because it controls the functions of many of the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is no larger than a pea, and is located at the base of the brain. The gland is attached to the hypothalamus a part of the brain that affects the pituitary gland by nerve fibers and blood vessels. The pituitary gland itself consists of 2 major structures:.
Computer artwork of a person's head showing the left hemisphere of the brain inside. The highlighted area centre shows the pituitary gland attached to the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland has two main parts, the anterior pituitary gland and the posterior pituitary gland.
The gland is attached to a part of the brain the hypothalamus that controls its activity. The anterior pituitary gland is connected to the brain by short blood vessels. The posterior pituitary gland is actually part of the brain and it secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream under the command of the brain. The pituitary gland is called the 'master gland' as the hormones it produces control so many different processes in the body.
It senses the body's needs and sends signals to different organs and glands throughout the body to regulate their function and maintain an appropriate environment. It secretes a variety of hormones into the bloodstream which act as messengers to transmit information from the pituitary gland to distant cells, regulating their activity. For example, the pituitary gland produces prolactin , which acts on the breasts to induce milk production. Through secretion of its hormones, the pituitary gland controls metabolism , growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions and processes.
The anterior pituitary gland produces the following hormones and releases them into the bloodstream:. Most are caused by a tumor in or around the pituitary gland. This can impact the release of hormones. Your pituitary gland is involved in a range of things, so any condition involving it can produce a diverse set of symptoms.
Most of the conditions that cause these symptoms are easy to treat and manage once you determine the underlying cause. Follow these tips to help protect your pituitary gland. For example, malnourished children may not produce enough growth hormone to meet growth goals for their age group.
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Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Pituitary gland anatomy and function. The pituitary gland can be divided into two different parts: the anterior and posterior lobes.
Anterior lobe The anterior lobe of your pituitary gland is made up of several different types of cells that produce and release different types of hormones, including: Growth hormone. Growth hormone regulates growth and physical development. It can stimulate growth in almost all of your tissues. Its primary targets are bones and muscles. Thyroid-stimulating hormone.
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