What chemical does the pituitary gland release?
1 Answer
The pituitary gland releases hormones.
Explanation:
The pituitary gland is an endocrine gland, which means that it releases hormones.
The pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain and is under direct control of a region in the brain called the hypothalamus. The gland has an anterior and a posterior lobe that differ in how they are regulated and which hormones they release.
The anterior lobe
Also called the adenohypophysis. This part of the pituitary produces hormones itself when receives a signal from the hypothalamus. The hormones it produces and excretes are:
- adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
- growth hormone (GH)
- follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
- luteinizing hormone (LH)
- prolactin
- thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
The posterior lobe
Also called the neurohypophysis. This part of the pituitary doesn't produce hormones, but receives it from the hypothalamus through nerve cells. The posterior lobe stores and releases the following hormones:
- antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or vasopressin
- oxytocin
