Question
Where pituitary gland is present in the human body? What are the functions of pituitary hormones?
Answer
The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, below the hypothalamus. The functions of the pituitary hormones are:
- Growth Hormone (GH): Promotes growth and development of the body tissues and bones.
- Prolactin (PRL): Stimulates milk production in females after childbirth.
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH): Stimulates the adrenal gland to produce cortisol.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): In females, it stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles and the production of estrogen. In males, it stimulates the production of sperm.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): In females, it triggers ovulation and promotes the secretion of progesterone. In males, it stimulates the production of testosterone.
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH): Regulates water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption by the kidneys.
- Oxytocin: Stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.
