Pituitary Gland Structure and Functions

Location and Structure

• Located at the base of the brain, in the sella turcica
• Weighs approximately 0.5 grams and measures 1 cm in diameter
• Composed of two main parts:
  1. Anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis): responsible for hormone production
  2. Posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis): stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus

Functions

• Produces and regulates several hormones that control various bodily functions:
  • Growth hormone: regulates growth and development
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): stimulates adrenal gland production of cortisol
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): regulates thyroid gland function
  • Prolactin: stimulates milk production in lactating women
  • Oxytocin: stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth
  • Vasopressin (ADH): regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys
• Acts as a relay between the hypothalamus and other endocrine glands to regulate hormone production

Regulation

• Controlled by the hypothalamus, which produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that stimulate or suppress pituitary hormone production
• Feedback mechanisms regulate hormone levels to maintain homeostasis

Disorders and Diseases

• Hypopituitarism: deficiency in one or more pituitary hormones
• Hyperpituitarism: excess production of one or more pituitary hormones
• Pituitary tumors: benign or malignant growths that can affect hormone production and overall health
• Diabetes insipidus: deficiency in vasopressin (ADH) production, leading to excessive thirst and urination

Overview of the Pituitary Gland

• Located at the base of the brain, in the sella turcica, weighing approximately 0.5 grams and measuring 1 cm in diameter
• Composed of two main parts: anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)

Functions of the Pituitary Gland

• Produces and regulates several hormones that control various bodily functions
• Hormones produced by the pituitary gland:
  • Growth hormone: regulates growth and development
  • Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): stimulates adrenal gland production of cortisol
  • Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): regulates thyroid gland function
  • Prolactin: stimulates milk production in lactating women
  • Oxytocin: stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth
  • Vasopressin (ADH): regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys
• Acts as a relay between the hypothalamus and other endocrine glands to regulate hormone production

Regulation of the Pituitary Gland

• Controlled by the hypothalamus, which produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that stimulate or suppress pituitary hormone production
• Feedback mechanisms regulate hormone levels to maintain homeostasis

Pituitary Gland Disorders and Diseases

• Hypopituitarism: deficiency in one or more pituitary hormones
• Hyperpituitarism: excess production of one or more pituitary hormones
• Pituitary tumors: benign or malignant growths that can affect hormone production and overall health
• Diabetes insipidus: deficiency in vasopressin (ADH) production, leading to excessive thirst and urination

Learn about the location, structure, and functions of the pituitary gland, including hormone production and regulation.