Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is a small gland located in a depression in the sphenoid bone (called the ‘sella turcica') at the base of the brain, right at the midline, behind both eye sockets and thus behind the nose, at the junction of the optic nerves. The pituitary gland is connected to the hypothalamus and secretes (at the behest of the hypothalamus) a variety of stimulating hormones. At the level of the pituitary frontal lobe (= adenohypophysis), stimulating hormones are secreted that regulate the functioning of the adrenal, thyroid and gonads. Prolactin can also be released: it is mainly released during pregnancy and lactation. The pituitary posterior lobe (= neurohypophysis) provides for the release of vasopressin (regulating water balance) and oxytocin (regulating partus/birth and lactation).