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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...

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.

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...

The Mammary Glands

The Mammary Glands

The female breast is a hemispheric projection of variable size positioned anterior to the pectoralis major and serratus anterior muscles. A fascia layer composed of dense, irregular connective tissue connects it to these muscles.
Each breast features a pigmented projection known as the nipple, through which milk emerges via closely spaced openings of ducts, referred to as lactiferous ducts. Surrounding the nipple is a circular pigmented area of skin named the areola, which appears rough due to...

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...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 20, 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

[Prolactinoma].

Robert Krysiak¹, Bogusław Okopień, Bogdan Marek

¹Klinika Chorób Wewnetrznych i Farmakologii Klinicznej, Katedry Farmakologii Slaskiego Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Katowicach. r.krysiak@interia.pl

Przeglad Lekarski

|August 28, 2009

Summary

Prolactinomas, common pituitary tumors, cause hormonal imbalances. Dopamine agonists are the primary treatment, with surgery as an alternative for persistent cases.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Oncology

Context:

Prolactin-secreting tumors (prolactinomas) are common pituitary neoplasms, affecting women aged 20-40 most frequently.
Symptoms include menstrual dysfunction, galactorrhea, loss of libido, and erectile dysfunction.

Purpose:

To review the diagnosis and management of prolactinomas.
To discuss treatment aims including normalization of hyperprolactinemia and tumor mass control.

Summary:

Differential diagnosis involves drug intake, hypothyroidism, renal/liver failure, and other pituitary adenomas.
Dopamine agonists are the first-line treatment due to efficacy and safety.
Transsphenoidal surgery is an option for medically unresponsive or intolerant patients.

Impact:

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Advances in understanding and treating prolactinomas.
Improved patient outcomes through effective medical and surgical interventions.
Highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment strategies.