The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is the most minor and most important gland of the human body’s endocrine system. It is responsible for secreting several vital hormones required for the normal functioning of the human body. It is a pea-sized gland situated at the base of the skull and behind the nose. It is also known as the ‘Master Gland’ because the pituitary gland secretes several hormones, which in turn stimulate several other endocrine system glands.

Size and Location of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is of the size and shape of a pea and weighs around 0.5 grams. It is located at the base of our skull, behind the nose bridge. It is the topmost gland in the human body. The pituitary gland is protected by a small bone cavity called Sella turcica, a sphenoid bone projection. This gland is divided into two parts, the anterior lobe, almost 80% of the entire gland and the posterior lobe.

Hormones Secreted by the Pituitary Gland and their Functions

The pituitary gland secretes several vital hormones responsible for the healthy growth of the human body and for regulating the day-to-day functions of the body. Some of the hormones of the pituitary gland and their functions are mentioned below:

Growth Hormone

The Human Growth Hormone (HGH), commonly known as growth hormone, is a vital hormone secreted by the pituitary gland, responsible for the human body’s growth. The HGH is responsible for the development of human beings during their primitive years (0-18 years). If the HGH is secreted less than the required quantity, it leads to dwarfism. And if the HGH is secreted more than the necessary quantity or is secreted even after the primitive years, it leads to a condition called Acromegaly or Gigantism

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

The pituitary gland secretes this hormone to control the functioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that control the metabolism rate of the body. The pituitary gland indirectly controls the body’s metabolism; hence it is called the Master Gland.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone

This hormone is commonly called ACTH, and it controls the functioning of the adrenal gland. The adrenal gland includes a pair of glands situated on the kidneys. They secrete adrenaline hormone, also known as the ‘flight or fight response hormone. Hence the pituitary gland also controls the adrenal glands.

Endorphins

Endorphins are hormones secreted by the pituitary gland, often called pleasure hormones. This hormone is responsible for relieving stress pain and bringing in happy thoughts.

Prolactin

Prolactin hormone is secreted in females, especially in breastfeeding females. The pituitary gland again regulates this hormone.

Vasopressin

This hormone is secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It helps in various functions like regulating the water levels in the body, maintaining salt levels, etc.

Oxytocin

This hormone is again secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. This hormone is again secreted in females and helps in milk generation for breastfeeding women and also helps in inducing labour in pregnant women by contraction of the uterus.

Luteinizing Hormone

This hormone is secreted by the anterior lobe of the pituitary and is responsible for regulating the oestrogen levels in the female body. Oestrogen is a female reproductive hormone secreted primarily by female reproductive organs.

Common Medical Conditions in Pituitary Gland

There are several medical conditions seen in the pituitary gland. The most widely seen is the pituitary tumour. Pituitary gland tumour affects the secretion of several important hormones like the human growth hormone and results in conditions like dwarfism and Acromegaly. The other common condition is Cushing’s Disease. It is caused due to over secretion of the ACTH hormone, which leads to high blood pressure, bruising, weak eyesight, weight gain etc. Diabetic insipidus is another condition directly related to the pituitary gland. It is caused due to over secretion of the vasopressin hormone by the pituitary gland. People pass very diluted urine and drink lots of fluids and water in this condition. This is caused due to an injury or trauma to the pituitary gland. Due to the wide range of hormones secreted and regulated by the pituitary gland, the symptoms of the conditions of the pituitary gland are also wide. The common symptoms of pituitary gland conditions are:

• Headache
• High blood pressure
• Weakness
• Loss of memory
• Irregular sleep pattern
• Weight gain
• Unexpected and sudden hair growth
• Lactation without pregnancy
• Infertility and reproductive issues

Conclusion

The pituitary gland is  important in the human body. It is the side of a pea and secretes several hormones essential for the normal functioning of the human body. Because the pituitary gland controls other endocrine system glands, it is also known as the Master Gland.