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.

Type Gland
Body System Endocrine
Body Region Brain
Latin Name Glandula pituitaria
FMA ID 13889

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 glands.

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. 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.

Related Structures

adrenal cortex adrenal gland cortex Adrenal gland Glandula suprarenalis adrenal gland capsule adrenal capsule adrenal/interrenal gland adrenal - interrenal gland adrenal medulla adrenal central medulla adrenal tissue adrenal gland tissue biliary ductule bile capillary capillary network of liver capillary plexus of liver

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Educational Disclaimer

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