Pituitary gland

Pituitary gland, major endocrine gland, situated just below the brain, under the control of the adjacent hypothalamus and in its turn controlling other endocrine glands. The posterior pituitary is a direct extension of certain cells in the hypothalamus and secretes vasopressin and oxytocin into the bloodstream. The anterior pituitary develops separately and consists of several cell types that secrete different hormones, including growth hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, thyrotrophic hormone (which stimulates thyroid gland), and adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH). Feedback from organs occurs at both the hypothalamic and pituitary levels. Pituitary tumors or loss of blood supply may cause loss of function; however, some tumors may be functional and produce syndromes like gigantism or acromegaly (due to growth hormone imbalance).

See also: Human body; Hypothalamus.