Pituitary Gland

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Figure 1: “The hypothalamus secretes corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), which directs the anterior pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). In turn, ACTH directs the adrenal cortex to secrete glucocorticoids, such as cortisol. Glucocorticoids not only perform their respective functions throughout the body but also prevent further stimulating secretions of both the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland”¹

Anterior Pituitary

The anterior pituitary releases ACTH which stimulates the adrenal cortex to release more cortisol and aldosterone.

The anterior pituitary releases thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) which stimulates the thyroid gland to produce and release more Triiodothvronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).

The anterior pituitary releases FSH and Leutinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate the testes and ovaries in order to produce more estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

The anterior pituitary secretes growth hormone which impacts the bones and tissues to to increase growth and metabolism.

Release of prolactin by the anterior pituitary stimulates milk production in the breasts.

Posterior Pituitary

The posterior pituitary secretes ADH and vasopressin which regulates water and mineral balance, Water retention.

The posterior pituitary also secretes Oxytocin which stimulates uterine contraction during birth.

References

1.

Boundless. Boundless Anatomy and Physiology. Open Education Resource (OER) LibreTexts Project https://university.pressbooks.pub/test456/chapter/overview-of-anatomy-and-physiology/