The Pituitary Gland

Neurohypophysis

an alternative name for the posterior pituitary gland

Hypothalamus

this structure in the brain directs the pituitary gland to produce and release hormones

Anti-diuretic hormone

a hormone produced by the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland, tells the kidneys to limit the amount of urine produced

growth hormone

a peptide hormone that stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and cell regeneration in humans

prolactin

causes breast milk to be produced after childbirth in women

hypopituitarism

when the pituitary gland doesn’t make enough hormones

acromegaly

a disease caused when a tumor on the pituitary gland produces too much growth hormone after the growth plates have sealed

hormones

chemical messengers secreted by ductless endocrine glands

diabetes insipidus

this condition is a result of a lack of antidiuretic hormone, symptoms include polyuria and polydipsia

follicle stimulating hormone

promotes sperm production and stimulates the ovaries to produce estrogen

adenohypophysis

an alternative name for the anterior pituitary gland

luteinizing hormone

stimulates ovulation in women and testosterone production in men

endocrinologist

a doctor who specializes in treatment of hormonal diseases

infundibulum

an alternative name for the pituitary stalk, which connects the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus

adrenocorticotrophic hormone

this hormone is produced by the pituitary gland and tells the adrenal glands to produce cortisol

hyperpituitarism

an overactive pituitary gland, usually caused by a non cancerous tumor

hypophysis

another name for the pituitary gland as a whole

giantism

a condition caused by production of to much growth hormone during childhood before growth is complete

thyroid stimulating hormone

stimulates the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism, energy, and the nervous system

sell turcica

saddle like compartment of the sphenoid bone where the pituitary gland sits