Answer» - The pituitary gland is one of the endocrine glands, i.e., glands that secrete chemical substances into the bloodstream.
- It is also called as master gland as it helps other glands to produce their secretions and secretes the majority of hormones.
- It consists of the anterior lobe and posterior lobe
- Anterior lobe: It secretes somatotropin, growth hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone. It helps the growth of the body and aids the adrenal gland. The hormones secreted by this gland are also vital for the nourishment of foetus.
- Hypo or hypersecretion in the anterior lobe: Hyposecretion leads to dwarfism, wherein a person is very short (twothree feet tall). On the other hand, hypersecretion can lead to gigantism, wherein a person becomes very huge and is eight-nine feet tall. Hypersecretion can also result in acromegaly, wherein a person has the features of a chimpanzee
- Posterior lobe: It secretes oxytocin (which creates a feeling of happiness), pituitrin (which helps smooth muscle functioning of the stomach), thyrotrophic follicle-stimulating luteinizing hormone (which helps in the nourishment of foetus), and endorphins (which help to create neurotransmitters).
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