Pituitary body

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Pituitary Body

The Pituitary Body, also known as the pituitary gland, is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is often referred to as the "master gland" due to its pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The pituitary body is divided into two distinct parts: the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis). Each part has a unique structure and function, secreting different hormones that regulate various physiological processes.

Anterior Pituitary[edit | edit source]

The anterior pituitary produces and releases several hormones, including growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL).

Posterior Pituitary[edit | edit source]

The posterior pituitary does not produce hormones but stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus: oxytocin and vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone, ADH).

Function[edit | edit source]

The pituitary body plays a crucial role in the endocrine system, regulating a wide range of bodily functions. These include growth, metabolism, reproduction, blood pressure regulation, and water balance.

Disorders[edit | edit source]

Disorders of the pituitary body can lead to a variety of health problems. These include pituitary adenomas, Cushing's disease, acromegaly, hypopituitarism, and diabetes insipidus.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD