Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is an endocrine organ beneath the hypothalamus that releases hormones controlling growth, reproduction, water balance, and the activity of other glands.

Anterior pituitary: The front lobe of the pituitary gland, which synthesizes and secretes several hormones. It releases hormones in response to regulatory signals carried from the hypothalamus.
Endocrine system: A network of glands and tissues that regulate bodily functions by releasing hormones into the bloodstream. The pituitary is one coordinating organ within this body-wide signaling network.
Growth hormone: A pituitary hormone that promotes growth and influences metabolism. Its excess or deficiency can markedly alter growth and body composition.
Pineal gland: An endocrine gland in the brain that produces melatonin and helps regulate circadian timing. Unlike the pituitary, it does not coordinate the activity of multiple peripheral glands.
Posterior pituitary: The rear lobe of the pituitary gland, which stores and releases hormones made by hypothalamic neurons. It releases oxytocin and vasopressin rather than synthesizing them itself.
Hormone: A chemical messenger released by cells that alters the activity of other cells. Pituitary hormones transmit signals to distant organs and endocrine glands.
Prolactin: A pituitary hormone that supports milk production and has reproductive functions. Elevated prolactin can disrupt menstrual cycles, fertility, and milk production.
Thyroid gland: An endocrine gland in the neck that produces hormones regulating metabolism and development. The thyroid is a target of pituitary control, not a brain-based coordinating gland.
Hypothalamus: A brain region that links nervous-system activity to endocrine control and homeostasis. Its neural and hormonal signals govern pituitary hormone release.
Tropic hormone: A hormone that stimulates another endocrine gland to release its hormones. Several pituitary hormones regulate other glands rather than acting only on body tissues.

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