Pituitary gland vs Sciatic nerve
| Property | Pituitary gland | Sciatic nerve |
|---|---|---|
| Latin Name | Glandula pituitaria | Nervus ischiadicus |
| Type | Gland | Nerve |
| Body System | Endocrine | Nervous |
| Body Region | Brain | Hip |
| 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 … | The largest and longest nerve in the body, providing motor innervation to the posterior thigh and all muscles below the knee. Provides sensory innervation to the lateral leg, foot, and … |
| Clinical Significance | 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. … | Sciatica (sciatic nerve irritation, often from disc herniation) causes radiating pain down the posterior leg. Piriformis syndrome compresses the nerve in the buttock. Improper gluteal injections can damage the nerve. … |
| FMA ID | 13889 | 19034 |
Full structure pages
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 …
Sciatic nerve
Nervus ischiadicus
The largest and longest nerve in the body, the sciatic nerve supplies motor innervation to the posterior thigh and every muscle below the knee, and sensation to the lateral leg, the foot, and part of …