Functions of the Pituitary Glands

Posterior Pituitary

Located on the underside of the brain, Increases contractions of the uterus during labor, regulates water retained by kidneys to decrease urine production, secretes oxytocin & antidiuretic hormone

Anterior Pituitary

Secretes growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormones

Hypothalamus

Located just above Posterior Pituitary, Secretes hormones to regulate pituitary gland, center of emotional response; controls brain stem and spinal cord.

Pineal

Regulates sleep and wake cycles, located near cerebellum, secretes serotonin and melatonin

Thyroid

Located near larynx at base of neck, Secretes thyroxine and calcitonin, regulates metabolism and body temperature

Parathyroid

4 tiny glands on the back of the thyroid, secretes PTH to raise amount of Ca²+ in the blood

Thymus

Aids in development of the immune system, Located near sternum, Secretes Thymosin

Adrenal

Secretes glucocorticoids, Provides for ""fight or flight" response to stress, Located above both kidneys, Secretes Epinephrine and Norepinephrine

Pancreas

When this malfunctions, diabetes may be the result, Located near stomach and small intestine, Secretes insulin and glucagon

Gonads

Causes development of eggs and sperm and secondary sex characteristics, Secretes estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, Ovaries in females and testes in males