Pituitary gland

Image

The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an endocrine gland, about the size of a pea and weighing 0.5 grams (0.018 oz) in humans. It is a protrusion off the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. The hypophysis rests upon the hypophysial fossa of the sphenoid bone in the center of the middle cranial fossa and is surrounded by a small bony cavity (sella turcica) covered by a dural fold (diaphragma sellae). The anterior pituitary (or adenohypophysis) is a lobe of the gland that regulates several physiological processes (including stress, growth, reproduction, and lactation). The intermediate lobe synthesizes and secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone. The posterior pituitary (or neurohypophysis) is a lobe of the gland that is functionally connected to the hypothalamus by the median eminence via a small tube called the pituitary stalk (also called the infundibular stalk or the infundibulum).

Hormones secreted from the pituitary gland help to control growthblood pressure, energy management, all functions of the sex organsthyroid glands and metabolism as well as some aspects of pregnancychildbirthbreastfeedingwater/salt concentration at the kidneys, temperature regulation and pain relief.

 

S.No.

Type of cell

Hormone secreted

Percentage of type of cell

1.

Somatotropes

human growth hormone (hGH)

30-40%

2.

Corticotropes

adrenocorticotropin (ACTH)

20%

3.

Thyrotropes

thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)

3–5%

4.

Gonadotropes

gonadotropic hormone i.e., both luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

3–5%

5.

Lactotropes

prolactin (PRL)

3–5%

Clinical significance

Some of the diseases involving the pituitary gland are:

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