Question

Write an account of position, structure and functions of pituitary gland.

Answer 1

Pituitary gland is a portion of the endocrine system and generates critical hormones and these chemical substances control a variety of bodily functions. The hypothalamus and the pituitary gland are attached by a structure known as the infundibulum.

Complete answer:
To answer this question, we have to know about pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is small and oval-shaped. It’s located behind your nose, near the underside of your brain. It’s attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk like structure.

                                                             Fig- Pituitary gland.  

The hypothalamus is a tiny part of the brain. It is important in maintaining the balance of human body functions. It assists the secretion of hormones from the pituitary gland.
The anterior lobe of pituitary gland is composed of many different types of cells that generate and secrete other types of hormones; some of them are given below-
Growth hormone- It maintains growth and physical development.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone- This hormone activates the thyroid to release thyroid hormones.
Adrenocorticotropic hormone.- It stimulates or restores the adrenal glands to make cortisol and other hormones.
Follicle-stimulating hormone- it is associated with estrogen release and the development of egg cells in females. In addition it is also necessary for sperm cell generation in male.
Luteinizing hormone- It is associated with the making of estrogen in females and testosterone in male.
Prolactin- It helps females who are breastfeeding produce milk.
The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland releases hormones. These hormones are commonly developed in the hypothalamus and present in the posterior lobe until they are released. Hormones present in the posterior lobe are given below-
Vasopressin- It is also known as antidiuretic hormone. It keeps the human body hydration or prevents dehydration.
Oxytocin stimulates the secretion of breast milk.

Note: The pituitary gland lies roughly in the center of the human skull. It is located beneath the hypothalamus of the brain. This location truly seems sensible, in light of the hypothalamus’s role in fine-tuning the feature of the pituitary gland. It is possible because of nerve fibers that cross these two structures and enable for easy connection.