Endocrine Glands

What are the functions of the

pituitary gland?

•The pituitary gland is a small bulb found on the underside of
the brain.

•It has 2 lobes: anterior pituitary and posterior pituitary.

•Called the “master gland” because it controls many other
glands in the body.

Thyroid-stimulating
hormone (TSH)

Causes thyroid to
produce thyroxine

Adrenocorticotropic
hormone (ACTH)

Stimulates adrenal
glands

Growth Hormone (GH)

Melanocyte stimulating
hormone (MSH)

Stimulates melanocytes to
produce melanin

Gonadotropins

Luteinizing hormone

Follicle stimulating
hormone

Stimulates release of sex hormones

Stimulates egg or sperm production

Stimulates production of
breast milk

Stimulates growth in
bones and muscles

Prolactin (PRL)

Antidiuretic hormone
(ADH) or vasopressin

Increases water retention in kidneys, decreasing
urine production

Oxytocin (OT)

Stimulates contraction of uterus during childbirth
and promotes release of breast milk

What are the functions of the

hypothalamus?

•The hypothalamus is located just above the pituitary gland
and is about the size of an almond.

•Its main function is to control the pituitary gland by
hormonal and neural stimulation.

•This allows for functions like:

•Control of brain stem & spinal cord

•Center of emotional response

•Body temperature regulation

•Regulation of food intake

•Controls thirst

•Regulates sleep &

wake cycles

What is the function of the pineal

gland?

•The pineal gland is a tiny
cone-shaped gland near the
cerebellum.

•The main secretion of the
pineal gland is melatonin.

Melatonin

Rise and fall during day and night causing sleep
and wake cycles.

•The glands within the brain include
the pineal gland which regulates
sleep cycles and the pituitary and
hypothalamus which work
cooperatively to control many body
functions. The pituitary is divided into
anterior and posterior lobes.

Summary