The pituitary gland is a very important player in the games going on inside of the human body. It controls all hormones that we need to function and develop normally. The gland is split into two separate sections, the anterior and posterior. While each are extremely important they are also very different.
Key Facts About The Anterior Pituitary Gland
1. Location
The anterior pituitary is the frontal portion of the pituitary, which is the “master gland” located in the head just below the brain, that controls all of the body’s hormones.
2. What It Does
This part of the pituitary gland controls some pretty vital functions of the body. The hormones that the anterior secretes are for sexual development, thyroid functions, growth, skin pigment, and the adrenocortical functions. Defects or malfunction can cause serious health issues.
3. Underfunction
If the anterior pituitary is not functioning at the level that it should be then many things become affected. Growth retardation, or dwarfism, is one of the most common issues. Hypothyroidism is also likely to develop over time, which can affect a multitude of areas in the body as well.
4. Hormones
The major hormones that the anterior pituitary regulates are adrenocoticotripic hormone, beta – endorphin, thyroid stimulating hormone, follicle stimulating hormone, growth hormone, prolactin, and the luteinizing hormone. All of these major hormones play a vital role in the health and balance of the body.
Posterior Pituitary Facts
1. Function
Like the anterior, the posterior pituitary also regulates some very important hormones in the body. These hormones are created by the hypothalamus and are then stored in neurosecretory vesicles before being administered by the posterior. Uterine contractions, blood pressure, aggression, and water retention are all controlled by the posterior pituitary.
2. Structure
Two main parts make up the posterior pituitary, these are the pars nervosa and the infundibular stalk. The pars nervosa, also known as the neural lobe, makes up the majority of thee posterior pituitary. This is where the hormones are stored. The infundibular stalk is the connection that links the hypothalamic and hypophyseal systems together and allow hormones to be distributed properly.
3. Hormones
The specific hormones that the posterior pituitary regulates are vasopressin and oxytocin. Vasopressin is responsible for inducing aggression, raising blood pressure, and water retention. Oxytocin, also known pitocin, sparks uterine contractions and lactation. Oxytocin is the hormones given to induce labor.
4. Risks
If the posterior pituitary is not functioning correctly then the main concern is the development of diabetes insipidus. This is caused by not enough vasopressin being secreted. However, if too much vasopressin is produced then syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH) may develop.
Differences Between Anterior and Posterior Pituitary
1. Where They Are
The location of the anterior and posterior pituitary is the most obvious difference between them. The pituitary gland is split into two different portions, and the anterior is at the front while the posterior is in the back. This gland is located just below the brain, somewhat behind the eyes.
2. Function
Each of these parts of the pituitary gland do very different but equally important things. While they both regulate hormone production, the hormones they each regulate control vastly different things. The anterior focuses mainly on growth and development while the posterior controls functions within the body such as water retention.