Question

What are the major parts of the pituitary gland? How do they differ in how hormones are manufactured? List all major hormones produced by each pituitary gland and their target organ(s) and/or tissue(s).

Answer 1

The pituitary glands are made of the anterior lobe and posterior lobe. The anterior lobe:

It is also called adenohypophysis.

It produces and releases hormones.

The posterior lobe: It is also called neurohypophysis.

It does not produce hormones per se—this is done by nerve cells in the hypothalamus, but it stores the harmones synthesized in the hypothalamus. When stimulus comes to it, these harmones are released into the Circulation.

Anterior Lobe Hormones:

1) Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): ACTH stimulates the adrenal glands to produce hormones.

2) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): FSH works with LH to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes.

3) Growth hormone (GH): GH is essential in early years to maintaining a healthy body composition and for growth in children. In adults, it aids healthy bone and muscle mass and affects fat distribution.

4) Luteinizing hormone (LH): LH works with FSH to ensure normal functioning of the ovaries and testes.

5) Prolactin: Prolactin stimulates breast milk production.

6) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce hormones.

The posterior lobe contains the ends of nerve cells coming from the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus sends hormones directly to the posterior lobe via these nerves, and then the pituitary gland releases them.

Posterior Lobe Hormones:

1) Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH): This hormone prompts the kidneys to increase water absorption in the blood.

2) Oxytocin: Oxytocin is involved in a variety of processes, such as contracting the uterus during childbirth and stimulating breast milk production.

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