yana-notes

Pituitary Gland

links: reference: 4-23-2021

Pituitary Gland #

  • A pea-sized gland in the Endocrine System located on the bottom of the hypothalamus. Connected to the Hypothalamus by the infundibulum.
  • Secretes:
  • Posterior pituitary (part of the hypothalamus apparently)
  • It sort of acts in opposition to the thyroid. Note that it produces TSH, as well as TRH which stimulates prolactin/the pituitary tone.
    • Pituitary inhibitor of thyroxine
      • It is suggested that the new function acts to decrease gradually the responsiveness of the peripheral tissues to thyroid hormones throughout life.
  • The hormones of the pituitary are strongly “lipogenic”, in that they release free fatty acids, reducing the response of peripheral tissues to thyroid ormones.
  • Darkness increases the pituitary hormones, especially prolactin and TSH.