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The Pituitary Gland

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hypothyroidism is a disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, energy balance, and multiple organ systems.TypesHypothyroidism is classified based on the level of dysfunction. Primary hypothyroidism results from intrinsic thyroid gland dysfunction, causing reduced hormone production despite normal or increased stimulation. Secondary hypothyroidism arises from inadequate thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion by the pituitary. Tertiary...

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Major Hormones and Their Functions

Hormones, the biochemical messengers produced by endocrine glands, are pivotal in regulating bodily functions and maintaining homeostasis. Each hormone's balance is crucial; imbalances can lead to significant physiological disruptions. Major hormones include oxytocin, cortisol, epinephrine, estrogen, testosterone, thyroxine, growth hormone, insulin, and glucagon.
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and lactation.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Nonfunctioning pituitary tumors and pituitary incidentalomas.

Mark E Molitch¹

¹Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Molecular Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 645 North Michigan Avenue, Suite 530, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. molitch@northwestern.edu

Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America

|January 30, 2008

Summary

Clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (CNFAs) can be asymptomatic or cause significant dysfunction. Management includes screening, surgical resection for symptomatic cases, and monitoring for regrowth, potentially reduced by dopamine agonists and radiotherapy.

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Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Published on: April 2, 2018

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Neurosurgery
Radiology

Background:

Clinically nonfunctioning adenomas (CNFAs) are pituitary tumors that do not secrete excess hormones.
CNFAs can be asymptomatic incidental findings or cause symptoms due to mass effect, including hormonal dysfunction and visual impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

To outline the diagnostic and management strategies for clinically nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas.
To describe the follow-up protocols and treatment options for CNFAs.

Main Methods:

Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic workup (including MRI), and treatment modalities for CNFAs.
Discussion of surgical resection (transsphenoidal surgery) and adjuvant therapies.
Emphasis on postoperative monitoring using MRI to detect recurrence or regrowth.

Main Results:

Asymptomatic incidental CNFAs require screening for hormonal imbalances and monitoring via MRI.
Symptomatic CNFAs are typically managed with transsphenoidal resection.
Postoperative surveillance includes serial MRI scans to assess resection completeness and detect regrowth.

Conclusions:

Management of CNFAs depends on symptoms, tumor size, and hormonal status.
Regular MRI monitoring is crucial for assessing treatment outcomes and detecting tumor regrowth.
Dopamine agonists and radiotherapy may reduce the regrowth rate of CNFAs after surgery.