Pituitary Hormone

The pituitary gland is a small structure that is located just below the brain. It is attached by a stalk to the hypothalamus, the area of the brain that controls its function. (MedlinePlus Encyclopedia)

There are 2 parts of pituitary:
- Anterior pituitary
- Posterior pituitary

The hormones released by the pituitary gland (and their functions) are:
- Anterior pituitary:

• Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) --> stimulates the adrenal gland to release cortisol.
• Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) --> controls sexual function and fertility in males and females.
• Growth hormone (GH) -- stimulates growth of tissues and bone
• Luteinizing hormone (LH) -- controls sexual function and fertility in males and females
• Oxytocin -- stimulates the uterus to contract during labor and the breasts to release milk
• Prolactin -- stimulates female breast development and milk production
• Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) -- stimulates the thyroid gland to release hormones that affect the body's metabolism.

- Posterior pituitary

• Vasopressin/ADH --> control water loss by kidney.
• Neurotrasmitter

Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism : a condition in which the pituitary gland does not produce normal amounts of some or all of its hormones. (MedlinePlus Encyclopedia)