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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 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.

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.

On this page
Tipo Gland
Sistema corporal Endocrine
Região corporal Brain
Nome latino Glandula pituitaria
FMA ID 13889

Função

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.

Significado clínico

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.

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 — Pituitary gland Encyclopedia article (verified cross-reference)

Aviso médico

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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.