Introduction The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is set in the sella turcica, a depression of the sphenoid bone It is split between anterior pituitary posterior pituitary intermediate zone produces melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) which stimulates melanin production in melanocytes Regulation the hypothalamus maintains homeostasis in the body release hormones to trigger the anterior and posterior pituitary to release its hormones corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) from hypothalamus triggers adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) release from anterior pituitary thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH) from hypothalamus triggers thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and prolactin release from anterior pituitary negative feedback loop to hypothalamus, which will decrease its hormones, which will in turn decrease the amount of hormones released from the pituitary Anterior Pituitary Anterior pituitary also known as adenohypophysis glandular component made of endocrine cells derived from oral ectoderm (Rathke’s pouch) synthesizes and secretes multiple hormones Hormones produced in, stored in, and secreted by the anterior pituitary gland Anterior Pituitary Hormones Hormone Class Function Growth hormone Protein Growth of body tissues Promotes protein synthesis and tissue building Prolactin Peptide Production of milk through mammary glands Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Peptide Stimulates adrenal cortex to release its hormones Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Glycoprotein Stimulates thyroid to release its hormones Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Glycoprotein Stimulates production of gametes, including ova and sperm, in gonads Promotes follicular growth Luteinizing hormone (LH) Glycoprotein Stimulates androgen production in gonads Triggers ovulation in women Posterior Pituitary Posterior pituitary also known as neurohypophysis composed of neural tissues derived from neuroectoderm Hormones produced by hypothalamus stored in and secreted by the posterior pituitary Posterior Pituitary Hormones Hormone Class Function Oxytocin Peptide Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) Peptide Stimulates reabsorption of water in the kidneys