16.3.3 pituitary gland

pituitary gland

• inferior to hypothalamus

• composed of anterior, intermediate and posterior lobes

• 2 pituitary areas DONT regulate each other

anterior lobe

subdivided into pars tuberalis and pars distalis

• mastermind of homeostasis

intermediate lobe

connects capillary and neurons betw. hypothalamus and pituitary

oxytocin

• movement of mammary milk into subareolar sinuses (milk ejection/letdown)

• stimulates uterine contraction during pregnancy

• feelings of contentment, reduced anxiety, calmness

antidiuretic hormone

• renal system: increased expression of aquaporin channels (inc. water absorption)

• inc. interstitial osmolarity (Na reabsorption too)

• vasoconstriction

• aggression, blood pressure, and body temp regulation