Answer:
The pituitary gland refers to a small gland, which is situated in the sella turcica. It is considered the master gland of the body. The pituitary gland comprises two prime parts, the posterior pituitary gland and the anterior pituitary gland. The anterior pituitary gland produces six hormones and discharged them into the bloodstream.
The following are the hormones produced by anterior pituitary gland:
1. The growth hormone that monitors metabolism, growth and body composition.
2. Adrenocorticotropic hormone that instigates the adrenal glands to produce steroid hormones, mainly cortisol.
3. Follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone, also called gonadotropins, which functions on the testes or ovaries to instigate the production of sex hormone, and maturity of sperm and egg.
4. The thyroid-stimulating hormone that instigates the thyroid gland to discharge thyroid hormones.
5. Prolactin that instigates the production of milk.
