Pituitary Gland

Pituitary gland is also called as master gland...

The pituitary is a pea-sized gland that is housed within a bony structure (sella turcica) at the base of the brain. The sella turcica protects the pituitary but allows very little room for expansion.

It has 3 parts: 
1.Anterior lobe (Adenohypophysis)                      
 2.Intermediate lobe (Pars intermedia)                       
3.Posterior lobe ( Neurohypophysis )

It secretes 11 hormones

Hormone	Target Organ or Tissue
Adrenocorticotropic hormone( ACTH)	Adrenal glands
Beta-melanocyte–stimulating hormone	Skin
Endorphins	Brain and immune system
Enkephalins	Brain
Follicle-stimulating hormone	Ovaries or testes
Growth hormone	Muscles and bones
Luteinizing hormone	Ovaries or testes
Oxytocin*	Uterus and mammary glands
Prolactin	Mammary glands
Thyroid-stimulating hormone	Thyroid gland
Vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone)*                                            Kidneys                                                        The anterior lobe of the pituitary produces and releases (secretes) six main hormones: Growth hormone, which regulates growth and physical development and has important effects on body shape by stimulating muscle formation and reducing fat tissue Thyroid-stimulating hormone, which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones Adrenocorticotropic hormone ( ACTH), also called corticotropin, which stimulates the adrenal glands to produce cortisol and other hormones Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone (the gonadotropins), which stimulate the testes to produce sperm, the ovaries to produce eggs, and the sex organs to produce sex hormones ( testosterone and estrogen) Prolactin, which stimulates the mammary glands of the breasts to produce milk The anterior lobe also produces several other hormones, including one that causes the skin to darken (beta-melanocyte–stimulating hormone) and ones that inhibit pain sensations (enkephalins and endorphins) and help control the immune system (endorphins).

Posterior lobe hormones

The posterior lobe of the pituitary produces only two hormones: Vasopressin Oxytocin Vasopressin (also called antidiuretic hormone) regulates the amount of water                                                                                                               excreted by the kidneys and is therefore important in maintaining water balance in the body. Oxytocin causes the uterus to contract during childbirth and immediately                                                                                                                   after delivery to prevent excessive bleeding. Oxytocin also stimulates                                                                                                                   contractions of the milk ducts in the breast, which move milk to the nipple (the let-down) in                                                                                       lactating women.