BRAINCAKEPituitary Gland
The pituitary gland is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk. It is often called the 'master gland' because many of its hormones control other endocrine glands. It has two parts that work in different ways.
Anterior pituitary
The anterior pituitary is glandular tissue that makes and secretes its own hormones. It is linked to the hypothalamus by a network of blood vessels (a portal system). The hypothalamus secretes releasing hormones into these vessels, and these control which hormones the anterior pituitary releases. Its hormones include:
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Key terms in this lesson
- neurosecretory cell
- A neurone that secretes a hormone directly into the blood instead of releasing a neurotransmitter at a synapse.
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