The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland. It is located in the bony hollow base of our skull, just underneath the brain. To be more precise, it is located behind the bridge of the nose. There are two divisions of the pituitary gland; the anterior pituitary gland and the posterior pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus and is responsible for performing all the brain’s vital functions. The connection between the brain and the anterior part of the pituitary is made by short blood vessels. In comparison, the posterior part of the pituitary gland is one of the parts of the brain which secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream on receiving commands from the brain. 

What are the conditions associated with the pituitary gland?

An adenoma in the pituitary gland may cause the body’s vital functions, so it is essential to protect the adenoma in the pituitary gland. Since any problem of the pituitary gland can lead to causing problems to the entire body, first, let us know what conditions are associated with the pituitary gland.

How do you know if you have a tumour on your pituitary gland?

There are several conditions related to the pituitary gland. And certain symptoms can help in understanding how to know if you have a tumour on your pituitary gland or not. Let us see the conditions related to tumours on your pituitary gland:

• Parotid gland tumours

Tumours can be cancerous, but the parotid gland tumours can grow in either lobe. Luckily, this type of tumour is not cancerous. Just similar to the adenoma in the pituitary gland may cause some troubles. The only treatment to solve this problem is surgery. Even though this tumour is not cancerous, it can cause swelling of your face and jaw. At the most, you may lose your voluntary actions of facial movements and face numbness.

2. Parotid gland cancer

Unlike adenoma in the pituitary gland, parotid gland tumours may cause you some severe troubles when cancerous. Removing the tumour is the only way out, but I may also involve some other treatments. When it becomes cancerous, your entire lymphatic system may get affected. As a result, radiation and chemotherapy might be additional treatments.

3. Sialadenitis

This is a condition where the salivary flow decreases due to the obstructions caused by viruses or bacteria. And as a result, you might be suffering from infection, swelling and pain. Staphylococcal bacteria and the mumps virus are primarily responsible for such a condition of the pituitary gland. The treatments for such a condition are oral hydration, sialogogues, warm compresses, and antibiotic medicines. These help in the increased flow of saliva.

4. Sialolithiasis

One of the most common conditions associated with the pituitary gland. When the salivary duct gets clogged because of a stone or other small particles, it causes sialolithiasis. And this is one of the most common causes of salivary disorders or gland disease. As a result of the blockage, a person may have to go through painful swelling during and after eating. Surgery is the only way of treating it, thereby removing the duct. Medicines like sialogogues can be helpful in the production of saliva again. 

Types of hormones produced by the pituitary gland:

The anterior pituitary gland produces certain hormones and directly releases them into the bloodstream. Let us see what they are.

1. Adrenocorticotropic hormone is released, which stimulates the adrenal glands, thereby leading to the production of the steroid hormones cortisol.
2. Production of growth hormones.
3. Luteinising hormones and the follicle-stimulating hormones also go by gonadotropins.
4. Milk producing hormones, prolactin.
5. The pituitary gland produces Thyroid-stimulating hormones.

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland does not release hormones directly. The hypothalamus does the job of releasing hormones that get stored in the posterior lobe.

1. Vasopressin, also known as an anti-diuretic hormone, helps control water balance and blood pressure.
2. Oxytocin is released by the hypothalamus that helps in the uterine contractions during labour and milk secretion during breastfeeding.

Conclusion:

The pituitary gland is one of the body’s vital organs that measures the size of a pea. Thus, taking care of the gland is important, along with the adenoma of the pituitary gland. From regulating vital functions of the body to looking after the general well-being, everything is up to the pituitary gland and the way it is being taken care of. It is referred to as the master gland of our body just because it controls all the vital functions of our body. Also, the pituitary gland controls the functions of other hormone-secreting glands.