Pituitary Gland

Hormones are chemical mediators that control and regulate the entire mechanism of the body throughout an individual's lifespan. These hormones are secreted by specific ductless glands spread across various organs of the body. The pituitary gland or hypophysis regulates the hormonal secretions and controls the growth,

development, secretions and functioning of other endocrine glands, for example, adrenal glands. This small endocrine gland has got a pea-sized body and is found at the base of brain in the skull cavity lying below the controlling organ, called hypothalamus. Owing to its large impact on the body, pituitary is also known as the “master gland”.

⇏ Measuring about the size of a pea, this pink-colored hormone secreting organ measures 5 grams in weight, and is located in the folds of brain.

⇏ The height, shape and size of an individual is greatly influenced by the activity of pituitary gland. The excessive secretion of growth hormone leads to increased height and its decreased secretion results in dwarfism.

⇏ Pituitary gland is called the king of all glands (or master gland) as it controls them all and is in-turn controlled by the Hypothalamus.

⇏ It is pituitary that serves as the center of sexuality and reproduction in your body. In other words, the secretions of the posterior lobe of the pituitary are responsible for child birth and sexual life of an individual.

⇏ Though many other parts of the body are actively involved in sexual processes, this gland enjoys a prominent position because it initiates all such processes.

⇏ Do you know around 30 to 40% percent of population suffers from sexual dysfunction at some time in life? It is because of the malfunctioning of the pituitary gland.

⇏ A connection is built between endocrine and nervous systems through hypophysis (an alternative term to denote hypothalamus).

⇏ The gland hangs from a part of the brain called the hypothalamus and is connected with the same through a small stalk called the infundibulum.

⇏ The hypophysis generates and releases nine hormones, in total, into the blood stream which mainly serve to maintain homeostasis in the body.

⇏ Having its origin in the pituitary gland, the Cushing’s disease is a deadly condition that is very difficult to diagnose and treat.

⇏ Cortisol or ACTH is a life hormone that is regulated by the pituitary. We would soon die in the absence of this hormone!