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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...

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...

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...

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...

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism II: Pathophysiology

Hyperthyroidism is a hypermetabolic state caused by elevated levels of thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). It results from dysregulation at the thyroid, pituitary, or immune system level and affects multiple organ systems.PathophysiologyThe most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies, specifically thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAb), a subtype of TSH receptor antibodies (TRAb), bind to and activate TSH receptors...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 8, 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

Pituitary adenomas: an overview.

Marcy G Lake¹, Linda S Krook, Samya V Cruz

¹U.S. Naval Hospital, Sigonella, Italy.

American Family Physician

|September 10, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Pituitary adenomas, common tumors, can cause hormonal or neurological issues. Treatment varies by type, with dopamine agonists for prolactinomas, and observation for small, asymptomatic tumors.

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Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Neurosurgery
Oncology

Background:

Pituitary adenomas are common tumors, with prolactinomas and nonfunctioning adenomas being most prevalent.
Patients may present with endocrine dysfunction (infertility, decreased libido, galactorrhea) or neurologic symptoms (headache, visual changes).
Diagnosis can also occur incidentally via imaging in asymptomatic individuals (pituitary incidentaloma).

Purpose of the Study:

To review the clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management of pituitary adenomas.
To highlight the importance of evaluating complete pituitary function due to common hypopituitarism.
To outline therapeutic strategies based on adenoma type.

Main Methods:

Review of clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches for pituitary adenomas.
Discussion of hormonal imbalances, including hyperprolactinemia, acromegaly, and Cushing disease.
Overview of treatment modalities, emphasizing a multidisciplinary team approach.

Main Results:

Common clinical syndromes arise from hormone over- or under-secretion.
Hypopituitarism is a frequent complication requiring careful assessment.
Therapy is tailored to tumor type, with dopamine agonists for prolactinomas.

Conclusions:

Management of pituitary adenomas requires a comprehensive evaluation of pituitary function.
Treatment strategies vary, including medication, surgery, and observation.
Asymptomatic, small adenomas may be managed with active surveillance.