The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea. Although located at the base of the brain and often considered to be part of the brain, the pituitary gland is in fact a separate organ. It protrudes off the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, and rests in a small, bony cavity.
The pituitary is functionally connected to the hypothalamus by a small tube called the infundibular stem, or, pituitary stalk. The pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate homeostasis.
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Pituitary location
The location of pituitary gland in the human brain.
The pituitary gland is divided into two parts, the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary.
- The anterior pituitary receives signaling molecules from the hypothalamus, and in response, synthesizes and secretes seven important hormones including thyroid-stimulating hormone and growth hormone.
- The posterior pituitary does not produce any hormones of its own, rather, it stores and secretes two hormones made in the hypothalamus—oxytocin and anti-diuretic hormone.
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The pituitary gland
In this image, the pituitary gland is referred to by its other name, the hypophysis.