Question

Short / Long answer type questions.
State the location of the pituitary in the body. List the hormones secreted by this gland. How- does pituitary regulate the activity of other endocrine glands?

Answer 1

Pituitary gland is situated in a bony cavity called Sella turcica and attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk. It is divided in anterior and posterior lobe and following hormones are secreted from here-

A. Anterior Lobe Hormones:

1. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones.
   
2. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH works with LH to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes.
   
3. Growth hormone (GH): GH is essential in the early years to maintaining a healthy body composition and for growth in children. In adults, it aids healthy bone and muscle mass and affects fat distribution.
   
4. Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH works with FSH to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes.
   
5. Prolactin: Prolactin stimulates breast milk production.
   
6. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones.
   

B.Posterior Lobe Hormones:

1. Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): This hormone prompts the kidneys to increase water absorption in the blood.
   
2. Oxytocin: Oxytocin is involved in a variety of processes, such as contracting the uterus during childbirth and stimulating breast milk production.
   

The pituitary gland is often dubbed the “master gland” because its hormones control other parts of the endocrine system, namely the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries, and testes. However, the pituitary doesn’t entirely run the show. In some cases, the hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland to stimulate or inhibit hormone production.