Download Anatomy of the pituitary gland

Anatomy of the pituitary gland
The pituitary gland is sometimes called
the "master" gland of the endocrine
system, because it controls the functions
of the other endocrine glands. The
pituitary gland is no larger than a pea,
and is located at the base of the brain.
The gland is attached to the
hypothalumus (a part of the brain that
affects the pituitary gland) by nerve
fibers. The pituitary gland itself consists
of three sections:



1
the anterior lobe
the intermediate lobe
the posterior lobe
Functions of the pituitary gland:
Each lobe of the pituitary gland produces
certain hormones.
anterior lobe:
1-
growth hormone
2- prolactin - to stimulate milk
production after giving birth
3- ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
- to stimulate the adrenal glands
4- TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) to stimulate the thyroid gland
5- FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) to stimulate the ovaries and testes
6- LH (luteinizing hormone) - to
stimulate the ovaries or testes
2
intermediate lobe:
Melanocyte-stimulating hormone - to
control skin pigmentation
posterior lobe:
1-
ADH (antidiuretic hormone) - to
increase absorption of water into the
blood
by the kidneys
2- oxytocin - to contract the uterus
during childbirth and stimulate milk
production
3