(N/A) The pituitary gland is located in a bony cavity called sella turcica and is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk.
Based on its internal structure,it is divided into two parts:
$(a)$ Adenohypophysis
$(b)$ Neurohypophysis
Adenohypophysis consists of two portions: pars distalis and pars intermedia. The pars distalis is also termed as the anterior pituitary.
The anterior pituitary produces the following hormones:
$(i)$ Growth Hormone $(GH)$: Targets most body tissues,stimulating growth.
$(ii)$ Prolactin $(PRL)$: Targets mammary glands,regulating growth and milk formation.
$(iii)$ Thyroid Stimulating Hormone $(TSH)$: Targets the thyroid gland,stimulating synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones.
$(iv)$ Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone $(ACTH)$: Targets the adrenal cortex,stimulating the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids.
$(v)$ Luteinizing Hormone $(LH)$: Targets gonads (testis in males,ovaries in females).
$(vi)$ Follicle Stimulating Hormone $(FSH)$: Targets gonads (testis in males,ovaries in females).
The pars intermedia secretes Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone $(MSH)$,which acts on melanocytes to regulate skin pigmentation.
Neurohypophysis (posterior pituitary) stores and releases two hormones synthesized by the hypothalamus:
$(i)$ Oxytocin: Targets the uterus (stimulates contraction) and mammary glands (stimulates milk ejection).
$(ii)$ Vasopressin (Anti-Diuretic Hormone,$ADH$): Targets the kidney (distal tubules),stimulating water and electrolyte reabsorption to reduce urine loss.