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The pituitary gland or hypophysis is an endocrine gland in vertebrates. In humans , the pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain , protruding off the bottom of the hypothalamus . The human pituitary gland is oval shaped , about 1 cm in diameter, 0.5–1 gram (0.018–0.035 oz) in weight on average, and about the size of a kidney bean .
The pituitary gland is divided into three lobes: the anterior pituitary, the intermediate pituitary lobe, and the posterior pituitary. The hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary's hormone secretion by sending releasing factors, called tropic hormones , down the hypothalamo-hypophysial portal system. [ 3 ]
The hypothalamus is a distinct part of the brain that is made up of neurons and its main purpose is to maintain homeostasis. [5] The hypothalamus also plays an important part in survival of the individual by integrating the interactions between hormonal and behavioral processes, such as, eating behavior and aggressive behavior.
PET image of the human brain showing energy consumption The brain consumes up to 20% of the energy used by the human body, more than any other organ. [ 131 ] In humans, blood glucose is the primary source of energy for most cells and is critical for normal function in a number of tissues, including the brain. [ 132 ]
The anterior pituitary (also called the adenohypophysis or pars anterior) is a major organ of the endocrine system.The anterior pituitary is the glandular, anterior lobe that together with the posterior pituitary (or neurohypophysis) makes up the pituitary gland (hypophysis) which, in humans, is located at the base of the brain, protruding off the bottom of the hypothalamus.
3.1.6 Pituitary gland (HPA axis) 3.2 Telencephalon (cerebrum) Cerebral hemispheres. 3.2.1 White matter. 3.2.2 Subcortical. ... Psychology portal; Philosophy portal;
Human growth hormone produced by grinding up a human pituitary gland in a blender in 1965. (Jon Brenneis / Getty Images file) Alzheimer’s cases are generally divided into two main groups: ...
(The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are organs of the neuroendocrine system. One of the most important functions of the hypothalamus—it is located in the brain adjacent to the pituitary gland—is to link the endocrine system to the nervous system via the pituitary gland.)