The Endocrine System: Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is the main point where the neural and endocrine systems function in continuity, maintaining homeostasis of many functional elements of the human body. Located inside the sella turcica, it is separated from the rest of the central nervous system (CNS); however, it plays a crucial part in the regulation of the fundamental endocrine profile, inhibiting or promoting CNS signaling to the rest of the human body. Made up of two distinct tissue subtypes, this gland is fed by a complex vascular network, which enables communication beyond the blood-brain barrier. Lying in close proximity to both important neural and vascular structure, changes in gland size and function result in significant clinical impact. The pituitary gland controls many processes, among which are thermoregulation; metabolism and metabolic rate; glucose, solute, and water balance; growth and development; blood pressure; and sexual drive, pregnancy, childbearing, birth, and breast-feeding. The devastating effects of pituitary dysfunction underscore the importance of the pituitary gland in maintenance of the various functions that underlie normal everyday human activity. This review covers the basic aspects of pituitary gland development, anatomy, and physiologic function. This review contains 3 figures, and 38 references, Key words: adenohypophysis, neurohypophysis, pituitary-hypothalamic axis, pituitary portal system, sella turcica