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Pituitary gland



	The pituitary gland is often referred to as the "master gland" of the body, since it regulates many activities of other endocrine glands. Located above the pituitary gland is the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus decides which hormones the pituitary should release by sending it either hormonal or electrical messages. In response to hormonal messages from the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases the following hormones: GH (growth hormone) – increases size of muscle and bone THS (thyroid stimulating hormone) – stimulates the thyroid gland to release T3 and T4 to stimulate metabolism in other cells throughout the body FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) – stimulates ovarian follicle production in women; stimulates sperm production in men LH (luteinizing hormone) – stimulates ovaries to produce estrogen in women; stimulates sperm production in men Prolactin – stimulates breast tissue in nursing mothers to produce milk ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - causes the adrenal glands to produce important substances that have properties similar to steroids In response to electrical messages from the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland releases the following hormones: ADH (antidiuretic hormone) - stimulates the kidneys to reabsorb fluid and produce less urine Oxytocin – initiates labor, uterine contractions and milk ejection in mothers

Review Date: 9/19/2008
Reviewed By: Robert Cooper, MD, Endocrinology Specialist and Chief of Medicine, Holyoke Medical Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

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