structure of pituitary gland

 Structure of Pituitary Gland

Pituitary gland composed of two structure;

1. Anterior pituitary

Also called Adenohypophysis.

Stress, growth, reproduction, lactation.

2. Posterior pituitary

Also called Neurohypophysis.

Functionally connected to hypothalamus.

Releasing and inhibiting hormones are produced by specialized neurons of Hypothalamus called neurosecretory cells.

Hormones are released into a capillary network or primary plexus and transported through hypophyseal portal vein to second capillary network or secondary plexus that supplies anterior pituitary.

Hormone the diffuse from secondary plexus into anterior pituitary where they initiate production of specific hormone by anterior pituitary.

Many hormones produced by anterior pituitary are tropic hormones (hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands to secrete their hormones.

Pituitary Hormones

Secretion of Pituitary gland

1. Anterior lobe

2. Posterior lobe

1. Anterior lobe

Anterior lobe synthesizes and secret six principal hormones;

1. Thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH)

2. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

3. Follicle- stimulating hormone (FSH)

4. Luteinizing hormone (LH)

5. Growth hormone (GH)

6. Prolactin

Tropic hormone; Pituitary hormones that regulate Secretory action of other endocrine gland.

2. Posterior lobe

Produce no hormone of it's own but only stores and release.

Oxytocin hormone and antidiuretic hormone.