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Glándula pituitaria

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 the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone and connects to the hypothalamus by the infundibulum, or pituitary stalk. Its anterior lobe, the adenohypophysis, produces six major hormones, while its posterior lobe, the neurohypophysis, stores and releases oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone made by the hypothalamus. Pituitary adenomas can cause hormone excess or deficiency: excess growth hormone produces acromegaly, and excess ACTH produces Cushing's disease. Pituitary apoplexy is acute hemorrhage or infarction of the gland, and deficiency of antidiuretic hormone causes diabetes insipidus.

Una glándula del tamaño de un guisante situada en la silla turca del hueso esfenoides, conectada al hipotálamo por el infundíbulo (tallo hipofisario). El lóbulo anterior (adenohipófisis) produce seis hormonas principales. El lóbulo posterior (neurohipófisis) almacena y libera oxitocina y ADH producidas por el hipotálamo.

On this page
Tipo Gland
Sistema corporal Endocrino
Región corporal Encéfalo
Nombre latino Glandula pituitaria
FMA ID 13889

Función

La glándula endocrina maestra, que produce hormonas que regulan el crecimiento (GH), la reproducción (FSH, LH, prolactina), la función tiroidea (TSH), la función suprarrenal (ACTH) y el equilibrio hídrico (ADH). Coordina la actividad de las demás glándulas endocrinas.

Significado clínico

Los adenomas hipofisarios pueden causar exceso o déficit hormonal. La acromegalia resulta de un exceso de hormona del crecimiento. La enfermedad de Cushing resulta de un exceso de ACTH. La apoplejía hipofisaria es una hemorragia o infarto agudo de la glándula. La diabetes insípida resulta de un déficit de ADH.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hormones does the pituitary gland secrete?

The anterior pituitary secretes six major hormones: growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin. The posterior pituitary stores and releases antidiuretic hormone (ADH/vasopressin) and oxytocin, both produced in the hypothalamus.

Where is the pituitary gland located?

The pituitary gland sits in the sella turcica, a bony depression in the sphenoid bone at the base of the skull. It is connected to the hypothalamus above by the pituitary stalk (infundibulum). The gland lies immediately below the optic chiasm, which is why pituitary tumors can cause visual field defects, particularly bitemporal hemianopia.

How small is the pituitary gland?

Despite controlling many vital endocrine functions, the pituitary gland is remarkably small — approximately 0.5 grams in weight and 1 cm in diameter, roughly the size of a pea. The anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) comprises about 75–80% of the gland's volume, while the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis) makes up the remainder.

References

  1. Foundational Model of Anatomy — FMA:13889 Reference anatomy ontology (University of Washington)
  2. UBERON — UBERON:0000007 Cross-species anatomy ontology (EMBL-EBI Ontology Lookup Service)
  3. Wikipedia — Glándula pituitaria Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

Aviso médico

Este contenido es solo para fines educativos e informativos. No pretende ser un sustituto del consejo médico profesional, diagnóstico o tratamiento. Siempre busque el consejo de su médico u otro proveedor de salud calificado ante cualquier pregunta que pueda tener sobre una condición médica. Nunca ignore el consejo médico profesional ni demore en buscarlo debido a algo que haya leído en este sitio web.

Educational Disclaimer

This content is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical decisions.

Data sources: Terminologia Anatomica, Foundational Model of Anatomy, Wikidata.