The pituitary gland is located at the base of the Brain beneath the hypothalamus and is no larger than a pea. It is often considered the most important part of the Endocrine system because it produces hormones that control many functions of other Endocrine glands The pituitary gland lies in the hypophyseal fossa of the sphenoid and is connected to the hypothalamus by the infundibulum, or pituitary stalk. The dura covering the superior aspect of the gland forms the diaphragma sella. The gland is about 12mm transversely and 8mm in anteroposterior diameter. The major divisions of the gland are the anterior lobe, or adenohypophysis, and the posterior lobe, the neurohypophysis. Each of these major subdivisions, which have different embryological origins, is further subdivided:

Adenohypophysis:

pars distalis pars intermedia pars tuberalis

Neurohypophysis:

pars nervosa pituitary stalk median emminence

Anterior Lobe:

The anterior lobe of the pituitary secretes the following hormones:

It secretes the growth hormone, which is essential for the development and growth in an individual. It secretes prolactin the hormone which stimulates milk production after giving birth in females . It secretes ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) hormone, which stimulates the adrenal glands (adrenal glands are the pair of glands present above the both kidneys) It secretes TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) - to stimulate the thyroid gland It secretes FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries and Testes It secretes LH (luteinizing hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries or Testes Intermediate lobe secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone - to control Skin pigmentations.

Posterior lobe:

The posterior lobe of the pituitary secretes the following hormones:

Posterior lobe secretes ADH (ant diuretic hormone) - to increase absorption of water into the blood by the kidneys Also secretes oxytocin - to contract the Uterus during childbirth and stimulate milk production.