By: Meghana Pendyala and Gabriela Cruz

Where In the body can the glands be located? The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain, underneath the hypothalamus. It is attached by the infundibulum. The anterior portion is located towards the front.

What hormones and type of hormones does the gland produce? HormoneSymbol(s)TargetEffect Adrenocorticotrop ic hormone ACTHAdrenal gland Secretion of glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid and androgens Thyroid- stimulating hormone TSHThyroid gland Secretion of thyroid hormones Follicle- stimulating hormone FSHGonads Growth of reproductive system Luteinizing hormone L+H, ICSHGonads Sex hormone production Growth hormoneGH, STH Liver, adipose tissue Promotes growth; lipid and carbohydrate metabolism ProlactinPRL Ovaries, mammary glands Secretion of estrogens/progest erone; milk production

Why are these hormones important to the maintenance of homeostasis? The pituitary gland secretes hormones that cause other glands to produce their hormones. For example, if calcium levels in the blood are too low, the pituitary gland can produce thyroid- stimulating hormone so that the thyroid can produce its hormone to adjust calcium levels.

Feedback mechanism and Antagonistic Hormones The pituitary gland produces hormones that are both part of the positive feedback and negative feedback mechanisms. –LH, GH, and Prolactin are positive feedback mechanisms –ACTH, TSH, and FSH are negative feedback mechanisms Antagonistic hormones are hormones that maintain homeostasis –ACTH, TSH, and FSH are antagonistic hormones

Releasing Hormones and Glands Growth hormone (GH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and Prolactin are all releasing hormones. Adrenal gland, mammary gland, thyroid gland, and gonads are all releasing glands.

Disorders Growth Hormone Deficiency causes growth failure for children and for adults decreased energy and quality of life. Growth Hormone Excess causes acromegaly, increase in size of hands, feet, jaw and skull. Prolactinomas causes impotence, infertility and decreased libido. This can be treated with prolactin serums as well as dopamine supplements. ACTH deficiency is associated with fatigue, pallor, anorexia, weight loss, hypotension, hyponatraemia, hypoglycaemia, and eosinophilia. This can be treated with doses of hydrocortisone. Other disorders include Hypopituitarism and Gonadotropin deficiency.

Cushing’s Disease A form of Cushing’s Syndrome. Condition where the pituitary gland releases too much ACTH. Too much ACTH. This in turn stimulates the release of cortisol (stress hormone). Symptoms: Central obesity and a hump between shoulders. Round, red, full face. Acne, purple marks (striae), easily bruised skin. Increased thirst or urination. (In some) Sweating In Women: Excess hair growth on face, neck, abdomen and thighs. Irregular Menstrual cycles. In Men: Decreased or no desire for sex. Surgery.

Disorders GH Deficiency Excessive GH

Sources mones_secretedhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anterior_pituitary#Major_hor mones_secreted body_guide/reftext/html/endo_sys_fin.htmlhttp:// body_guide/reftext/html/endo_sys_fin.html 0Physiology/2010/2010%20Exam%20Reviews/Exam%2 05%20Final%20Review/CH%2016%20General%20End ocrine%20Terminology.htmhttp://apbrwww5.apsu.edu/thompsonj/Anatomy%20&%2 0Physiology/2010/2010%20Exam%20Reviews/Exam%2 05%20Final%20Review/CH%2016%20General%20End ocrine%20Terminology.htm /med chapter-1302http://oxfordmedicine.com/view/ /med/ /med chapter htm