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Pituitary gland as the master gland
The pituitary gland is called the "master gland" because it controls the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. It is a small gland located at the base of the brain and is connected to the hypothalamus by a stalk-like structure called the infundibulum.
Functions of the pituitary gland
The pituitary gland secretes hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including growth and development, reproduction, metabolism, and water balance. It is divided into two parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary.
Anterior pituitary hormones
The anterior pituitary produces and secretes several hormones, including:
1. Growth hormone (GH): promotes growth and development of bone, muscle, and other tissues.
2. Prolactin (PRL): stimulates milk production in the mammary glands.
3. Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH): stimulates the growth and development of ovarian follicles in females and the production of sperm in males.
4. Luteinizing hormone (LH): stimulates ovulation in females and the production of testosterone in males.
5. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH): stimulates the production of cortisol by the adrenal glands.
6. Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): stimulates the production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland.
Posterior pituitary hormones
The posterior pituitary stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus:
1. Oxytocin: stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth and milk ejection during breastfeeding.
2. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH): regulates water balance by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Conclusion
In summary, the pituitary gland is called the "master gland" because it controls the functions of other endocrine glands in the body. It secretes hormones that regulate many bodily functions, including growth and development, reproduction, metabolism, and water balance. The anterior pituitary produces and secretes several hormones, while the posterior pituitary stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) or Practice Quiz with solutions of Cha...
Pituitary gland is called master gland because it controls the secretion of all other endocrine glands.