Pituitary Gland: The Master Gland Of Human Body

Sep 30, 2014 Ruchira Dhoke Did You Know?, Lifestyle & Health 0

Anatomically pituitary gland or hypophysis is a ductless endocrine gland about the size of pea located below the hypothalamus at the base of the brain just behind the bridge of the nose, in a bony pouch called the “sella turcica.”

The gland is often referred to as the “master gland” as it secretes the hormones that regulate the homeostasis of the human body. It is functionally controlled by the hypothalamus. It is composed of three lobes: anterior, intermediate, and posterior, each lobe is responsible for releasing specific hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones act as messengers to transmit information from the pituitary gland to distant cells and regulating their activity thereby controlling the body’s metabolism, growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions and processes.

HORMONES SECRETED BY THE PITUITARY GLAND

Anterior Pituitary:

Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands situated on top of the kidneys. Cortisol being a “stress hormone” helps maintain blood pressure and blood glucose (sugar) levels, and is produced in larger amounts under stress especially after illness or injury.
Thyroid-Stimulating hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones like thyroxine (T₄) and triiodothyronine(T₃), which help in regulating the body’s metabolism, energy balance, growth, and nervous system.
Luteinsing hormone (LH) stimulates testosterone production in men and ovulation in women.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes sperm production in men and stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen enabling ovulation in women. LH and FSH work together to enable normal function of the ovaries and testes.
Prolactin (PRL) stimulates lactation in a mother after childbirth.
Growth hormone (GH) stimulates growth in childhood and is important for maintaining a healthy body composition and well-being in adults. In adults, GH is important for maintaining muscle mass and bone mass. It also affects fat distribution in the body.

Posterior Pituitary:

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) also called vasopressin, regulates water balance in the body. It allows conservation of body water by controlling the amount of water lost in urine.
Oxytocin helps during labor by contracting the uterus during childbirth and stimulates milk production

anterior lobe of pituitary, did you know, master gland, Pituitary gland, posterior lobe of pituitary

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Ruchira Dhoke

A qualified medical microbiologist with an avidity to read enchant a deep passion for creating a good impacting masterpiece with my words .I am very fond of good old English literature and like listening to music and paint in my free time.