The Pituitary Gland The pituitary gland, which is located in the center of the skull, just behind the bridge of the nose, is also about the size of a pea and is connected to the brain through the hypothalamus. It hangs from the base of the brain. (see illustration below) The pituitary gland has been called the "master" gland. It manages long-term growth, day-to-day functions, and reproductive processes. The pituitary gland has two distinct parts, the anterior and the posterior lobes, each of which releases different hormones to the other glands in the body that affect growth, sexual development, metabolism and the system of reproduction. The Pituitary gland in marked in yellow>>>>>     Depending on what type of nerve-based or hormonal-based instructions the Pituitary gland receives from the hypothalamus, it can produce the following hormones: Pituitary Gland Hormone Secretions Hormone Target organ (s) Major Physiologic Effects Anterior Pituitary Growth hormone (HGH) Liver, adipose tissue Promotes growth (indirectly), controls of protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. required for normal growth during childhood. Once we reach our adult height and our bones have ceased to grow in length, HGH production tapers off. Over and underproduction Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Thyroid gland Controls muscle and cell metabolism through secretion of thyroid hormones, thyroxine and tri-iodothyronine (T3 & T4). Over and underproduction Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Adrenal gland (cortex) Stimulates secretion of glucocorticoids or cortisol Over and underproduction Prolactin (PL) Mammary gland Milk production Over and underproduction Luteinizing hormone (LH) Ovary and testis Have effects on the ovaries, uterus, and on the testes in man. They regulate and control the male and female hormones, menstrual cycles, ovulation, sperm production and fertility. Over and underproduction Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Posterior Pituitary Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Vasopresion Kidney Affects the kidneys filtration mechanism where it regulates sodium, potassium and water balance in the blood and secondarily, the amount of urine produced. Over and underproduction Oxytocin (OXY) Ovary and testis The neurohormone oxytocin is responsible for initiating childbirth and the let-down reflex in lactating women and is released during sexual orgasm. Oxytocin has been thought of as an affiliation hormone because it is thought to play a key role in the initiation of maternal behavior and the formation of adult pair bonds. Over and underproduction ©1998-2009 Medical Central Online™, All Rights Reserved.