Question

What is the difference between the pituitary gland and the pineal gland?

Answer 1

• Pituitary gland is located on ventral side of vertebrate brain, while pineal gland is towards dorsal side.
• Pituitary gland secretes a number of hormones controlling various organs of the body but pineal gland secretes only one hormone.

Explanation:

• Pituitary gland is divided in anterior and posterior parts, pineal has no such division.
• Anterior pituitary secretes Thyroid stimulating hormone, Adreno-cortico trophic hormone, Growth hormone, Follicle stimulating hormone, Luteinising hormone, and Prolactin.

• Posterior pituitary secretes oxytocin and vasopressin.

• Pineal gland secretes sleep inducing melatonin hormone.

In lower vertebrates, pineal gland acts as photoreceptor, i.e. it represents a third eye.