The pituitary gland known as the master gland, or hypophysis, is located in the midbrain. It contributes to the regulation of many functions of the body including blood pressure, blood sugar levels, reproductive organs, water retention, metabolism, lactation, and growth.
The pituitary gland has three regions: anterior, intermediate, and posterior.
The anterior pituitary produces a variety of hormones with varied functionality. The hormones of the anterior pituitary include follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), prolactin, endorphins, and growth hormone (GH).
The posterior pituitary secretes antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, and oxytocin, which are produced in the hypothalamus.
The intermediate pituitary is the site of melanin production from melanocytes.
Table 3 summarizes the various pituitary hormones, their location in the pituitary, and their function.
Table 3. Pituitary Hormones.| Hormone Name | Pituitary Lobe | Hormone Type | Function |
| FSH | Anterior | Polypeptide | Gamete production |
| LH | Anterior | Polypeptide | Ovulation and sex hormone/androgen release
|
| ACTH | Anterior | Amino Acid | Release hormones from adrenal cortex |
| TSH | Anterior | Polypeptide | Stimulate thyroid hormones (T3 and T4)
|
| Prolactin | Anterior | Amino Acid | Lactation in mammary glands |
| GH | Anterior | Polypeptide | Growth of cells, tissues, and bones |
| ADH | Posterior | Amino Acid | Retain water |
| Oxytocin | Posterior | Amino Acid | Stimulate uterus/ contractions during birthing |
| Melanin | Intermediate | Amino Acid | Pigmentation production |
