pituitary gland

The hormones secreted from the pituitary and the effects they have on the body. Two hormones (ADH and oxytocin) are secreted from the posterior pituitary and six (prolactin, ACTH, growth hormone, TSH, FSH, and LH) from the anterior pituitary.

Major endocrine gland of vertebrates, situated in the centre of the brain. It is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk. The pituitary consists of two lobes. The posterior lobe is an extension of the hypothalamus, and is in effect nervous tissue. It stores two hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus: ADH and oxytocin. The anterior lobe secretes six hormones, some of which control the activities of other glands (thyroid, gonads, and adrenal cortex); others are direct-acting hormones affecting milk secretion and controlling growth.