pituitary gland

• • Located in the brain and is controlled by the hypothalamus ​
• • This is the “master” gland of the endocrine system because it controls the release of hormones from the other endocrine glands​
• • The hormones released by the pituitary gland either cause changes themselves, or tell the other glands to release their own hormones​
• • Has two main parts, ‘anterior’ and ‘posterior’, which release different hormones​
• Anterior (front)​Example: Releases ACTH as a response to stress à stimulates adrenal cortex à releases cortisol à increases glucose in bloodstream ​
• Posterior (back) ​

  Example: Releases oxytocin (“love hormone”), which evokes feels of intimacy, bonding, happiness and calmness; important when the body feels stressed. In females, it is important in childbirth and breastfeeding ​