Pituitary Gland

The human body is made up of various organ systems.

Organ systems work together to maintain the functioning of the human body.

The endocrine system is one of the important organ systems of our body.

Endocrine System

The word endocrine is derived from a Greek word: endo- means within, crinis means to secrete.

The endocrine system is made up of glands that produce chemicals called hormones.

These hormones regulate body metabolism, tissue functions, growth and development.

Let's understand more about the Pituitary Gland.

The pituitary gland is the’ Master Gland‘ of the endocrine system.

The pituitary gland is a small gland that hangs to the base of the brain like a pea on a string. It is red-grey.

The pituitary gland is located in sella turcica under the hypothalamus at the base of the brain.

The pituitary gland has two lobes: Anterior pituitary lobe Posterior pituitary lobe

Pituitary gland is an organ dual in origin.

Anterior lobe also is known as the adenohypophysis is epithelial in origin.

Posterior lobe, also known as the neurohypophysis, is derived from neural ectoderm.

Pituitary gland produces various hormones that have specific functions.

Let's understand the hormones secreted from anterior pituitary.

GH- stands for growth hormone. GH is also is known as Somatotropin. ‘Soma’ means ‘body’. ‘Trophe’ means ‘nourishment’.

It helps in the growth of our body.

•Too much GH causes gigantism. •Less amount of GH leads to dwarfism.

FSH (Follicle-stimulating hormone) & LH(Luteinizing hormone) helps in the development of gametes.

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) helps in the stimulation of the thyroid gland in the production of Thyroxine hormone.

Prolactin used for the production of milk (i.e., Lactation).

Let's understand the hormones secreted from Posterior pituitary.

Oxytocin hormone helps in the uterine contraction and milk ejection from the mammary gland.

ADH (Anti Diuretic Hormone) or vasopressin - It helps in the salt & water balance in the blood.

REVISION

The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland, also known as Master gland.

The pituitary gland is located in sella turcica under the hypothalamus at the base of the brain.

The pituitary gland has lobes: •Anterior Lobe •Posterior Lobe

Various hormones produced by Anterior pituitary lobe.

Various hormones produced by posterior pituitary lobe.

The End