Gland
A gland is an organ in our body that synthesizes a substance for release such as hormones or breast milk, either
- into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or
- into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is the master gland of the endocrine system. It controls the functions 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. See the following two figures for clearer ideas.
Pituitary Gland Location Relative to Others
Pituitary Gland & Hypothalamus Location
Pituitary Gland Functions
The pituitary gland produces various hormones:
- Growth hormone
- Melanocyte-stimulating hormone – to control skin pigmentation
- ADH (antidiuretic hormone) – to increase absorption of water into the blood
by the kidneys
- Prolactin – to stimulate milk production after giving birth
- ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) – to stimulate the adrenal gland
- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) – to stimulate the thyroid gland
- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) – to stimulate the ovaries and testes
- LH (luteinizing hormone) – to stimulate the ovaries or testes
- Oxytocin – to contract the uterus during childbirth and stimulate milk production
That’s all about pituitary gland in brief.
