Pituitary gland

Glandula pituitaria

A pea-sized gland located in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone, connected to the hypothalamus by the infundibulum (pituitary stalk). The anterior lobe (adenohypophysis) produces six major hormones. The posterior lobe (neurohypophysis) stores and releases oxytocin and ADH produced by the hypothalamus.

유형 Gland
신체 계통 Endocrine
신체 부위 Brain
라틴어 명칭 Glandula pituitaria
FMA ID 13889

기능

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 glands.

임상적 의의

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. Diabetes insipidus results from ADH deficiency.

자주 묻는 질문

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.

관련 구조물

parenchyma of parathyroid gland parathyroid gland parenchyma Pineal gland Glandula pinealis renin-angiotensin system renin angiotensin aldosterone system right artery of caudate lobe Caudate lobe branch of right hepatic artery adrenal cortex adrenal gland cortex secretory circumventricular organ endostyle hypopharyngeal groove parathyroid gland epithelial body

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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.