ENDOCRINE SYSTEM- THE PITUITARY GLAND

The pituitary gland (often called the master gland) is located in a bony cavity at the base of the brain. A stalk links the pituitary to the hypothalamus, which controls release of pituitary hormones. The pituitary gland has two lobes: the anterior and posterior lobes. The anterior pituitary is glandular.

The hypothalamus contains neurons that control the releases from the anterior pituitary, through seven hypothalamic hormones which are released into a portal system connecting the hypothalamus and pituitary. These hormones cause targets in the pituitary to release various hormones.

Anterior pituitary

Hormones produced and released:

1. Growth hormone
2. Thyrotropin
3. Melaocyte stimulating hormone
4. Adrenocorticotropin
5. Leutinizing hormone LH
6. Follicle stimulating hormone FSH
7. Prolactin

Posterior pituitary

Hormones released:

1. Oxytocin
2. Anti – diuretic hormone (ADH)