The pituitary gland: its function and location in the body

The human body has 14 main glands which have very important tasks to carry out various biological processes. One of the glands that will be discussed in this article is the pituitary gland, which is shaped like a bulge and is located at the bottom of the brain. Come on, read more!

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland, or pituitary, is a gland that produces certain hormones which act as control for various aspects of the human body. The hormones produced by the pituitary help regulate growth, blood pressure, energy production and burning, and various functions of the body's other organs.

This gland is often called the "master gland" because the hormones secreted by it regulate the functions of other glands as well. These hormones can be produced either from the front (anterior) or the back (posterior) of the gland.

The location of the pituitary gland in the brain

However, it is important to understand that the pituitary gland works alone to carry out bodily functions. The hormones produced by the pituitary gland act as messengers to and from many different cells in the body.

Before the pituitary gland produces hormones, the brain sends signals from the hypothalamus as the communication center between the glands. After that, these glands will start to produce which then act as a signal for other glands and organs to regulate their function.

What are the hormones produced by the pituitary gland?

The hormones produced by the pituitary gland can come from the front or back of the pituitary.

Hormones from the front of the gland, otherwise known as the anterior lobe:

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): This hormone stimulates the production of adrenal hormones.
• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH): These hormones work together as regulators of ovarian and testicular function.
• Growth hormone (GH): This hormone is very important in the growth of the human body, especially in the early years. For children, this hormone helps maintain a healthy body composition. For adults, GH acts as a counterweight to fat distribution and maintains healthy bones and muscles.
• Prolactin: The main function of this hormone is to stimulate milk production in women. This hormone also has different effects on sexual activity in men and women.
• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH): This hormone stimulates the thyroid gland to produce its own hormones.

Hormones from the back of the pituitary gland, otherwise known as the Posterior Lobe:

• Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): This hormone stimulates the kidneys to increase the absorption of water in the blood, reducing the amount of water excreted in the urine.
• Oxytocin: Oxytocin usually affects the labor process and the condition of the mother's body after childbirth, such as milk production.

What are the possible pituitary disturbances?

The most common disorders found in the pituitary gland are pituitary tumors.

Pituitary tumors are divided into 2 categories: secretory and non-secretory. Non-secretory tumors are caused by an insufficient amount of pituitary hormone produced. Meanwhile, secretory tumors are caused by excessive hormone production. Tumors can be caused by injury, certain medications, internal bleeding, and other health problems.

These tumors rarely cause cancer, although they can cause disruption in the normal function of the gland. In some cases, these tumors can even grow so large that they put pressure on adjacent parts of the brain, which may affect vision and other senses.

Apart from pituitary tumors, there is another disorder known as pituitary apoplection. In severe cases, sudden loss of glandular function can be life-threatening due to a sudden deficiency of vital hormones.

Patients are strongly advised to seek medical attention as soon as possible, because the pituitary gland is very important in maintaining bodily functions.