Adrenal gland vs Pituitary gland
| Property | Adrenal gland | Pituitary gland |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Glandula suprarenalis | Glandula pituitaria |
| Type | Gland | Gland |
| Body System | Endocrine | Endocrine |
| Body Region | Abdomen | Brain |
| Function | Produces steroid hormones (cortisol, aldosterone, androgens) from the cortex and catecholamines (epinephrine, norepinephrine) from the medulla. Essential for stress response, metabolism, blood pressure regulation, and immune function. | The master endocrine gland, producing hormones that regulate growth (GH), reproduction (FSH, LH, prolactin), thyroid function (TSH), adrenal function (ACTH), and water balance (ADH). Coordinates the activity of other endocrine … |
| Clinical Significance | Addison's disease is primary adrenal insufficiency. Cushing's syndrome results from excess cortisol. Pheochromocytoma is a catecholamine-producing tumor of the medulla. Adrenal crisis is an acute life-threatening condition requiring emergency treatment. | Pituitary adenomas can cause hormone excess or deficiency. Acromegaly results from excess growth hormone. Cushing's disease results from excess ACTH. Pituitary apoplexy is acute hemorrhage or infarction of the gland. … |
| FMA ID | 9604 | 13889 |
Full structure pages
Adrenal gland
Glandula suprarenalis
Sitting atop each kidney, the paired adrenal glands generate steroid hormones, cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens, from their cortex, and catecholamines, epinephrine and norepinephrine, from their medulla. Together these hormones govern the stress response, metabolism, blood …
Pituitary gland
Glandula pituitaria
Often described as the master endocrine gland, the pituitary coordinates the activity of other endocrine glands through the hormones it secretes, governing growth, reproduction, thyroid function, adrenal function, and water balance. This pea-sized gland occupies …