Connection lost. Please refresh the page.
Online
Get help How to study Login Register

Pituitary gland

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to: 

  1. Understand the gross structure of the pituitary gland.
  2. Name the main parts and other major features of the pituitary gland. 
  3. Describe the location, relations, and functions of the pituitary gland. 
  4. Appreciate the structure and functions of the vascular and neural hypothalamohypophyseal pathways.

Watch video

The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small, ovoid structure, situated in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. Although it is relatively small (weighing only about 0.5g) it is considered to be the ‘master’ gland of the endocrine system. This is primarily due to the fact that it controls the activity of other endocrine glands in the body and consequently has many vital functions and roles in metabolism, growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure and many other vital physical functions and processes. 

The pituitary gland comprises two main components:

  • Adenohypophysis 
  • Neurohypophysis 

Both parts of the pituitary have distinct connections and functions. The anterior lobe is the hormone-producing area (‘adeno-’ = gland (Gr.)), therefore the majority of the pituitary hormones get produced here. In contrast, neurohypophysis doesn't produce hormones, but rather stores and releases hormones produced by certain areas of the hypothalamus. 

The hypothalamus is the primary regulator of the pituitary gland, and consequently the endocrine system. It does this via two pathways: neural and nonneural/vascular. In the neural pathway, the hypothalamus controls the neurohypophysis via the hypothalamohypophyseal tract. In the vascular pathway, the hypothalamus influences the adenohypophysis via a vascular network known as the hypophyseal portal system.

Take a quiz

Now that you have watched our video about the pituitary gland, solidify your knowledge by taking our quiz. 

Try our custom quiz and choose the topics that you want to learn. For example, you can pick all the subcortical structures and create your own quiz. You can also save it for later!

Browse atlas

Summary

Key facts about the pituitary gland
Definition ‘Master’ gland of the endocrine system which controls the rest of the endocrine glands
Main parts Adenohypophysis (anterior lobe): Derived from oral ectoderm
Neurohypophysis (posterior lobe): Derived from neural ectoderm
Hormones Adenohypophysis: Growth hormone (somatotropin), prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Neurohypophysis
: Oxytocin, vasopressin
Functions Regulation of metabolism, growth, sexual maturation, reproduction, blood pressure, breastfeeding, immune response and many other vital physical functions and processes

Well done!

Related articles

Continue your learning

Register now and grab your free ultimate anatomy study guide!