Pituitary Gland Disorders

The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, attached to the hypothalamus, which controls its function and is approximately the size of a pea.  Known as the master gland, it produces hormones that control other glands, and has a role in many body functions.   The pituitary gland is divided into an anterior lobe and posterior lobe.  The anterior lobe is the front portion of the pituitary and hormones secreted by it affect growth, sexual development, skin pigmentation, thyroid function, and adrenocortical function.   The posterior pituitary is the back portion of the pituitary, and it secretes the hormone oxytocin which increases uterine contractions and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which increases reabsorption of water by the tubules of the kidney.