Pituitary gland is a pea shaped compact mass of cells located at the base of the midbrain. As it regulates and controls the other endocrine glands, it is called "Master gland"
(1) Hormones secreted by anterior pituitary:
(a) Growth hormone (GH) : It promotes the development and enlargement of all tissues. It stimulates the growth of muscles, cartilage and long bones. It controls the cell metabolism. Decreased secretion of growth hormone leads to Dwarfism in children characterisedby stunted growth, delayed skeletal formation and mental disability. Oversecretion of growth hormone leads to gigantism in children. Characterised by abnormal enlargement of head, face, hands and feet.
(b) Thyroid Stimulating hormone (TSH) - growth of thyroid gland.
(c) Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)- Protein synthesis in adrenal cortex.
(d) Gonadotrophic hormones (GTH) - for the normal development of Gonads.
The other two hormones are Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Luteinizing Hormones (LH)
(e ) Prolactin (PRL) Initiates the development of mammary glands during pregnancy and production of milk after child birth.
(2) Hormones secreted by the posterior lobe:
(a) Vasopressin or Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) - It reduces loss of water through urine. Deficiency of ADH reduces reabsorption of water and causes an increase in urine output (polyuria). This deficiency disorder is called Diabetes insipidus.
(b) Oxytocin - It helps in the contraction of the smooth muscles of uterus at the time of child birth and milk ejection from the mammary gland after child birth.
