Pituitary gland function: Learn about the pituitary gland

Learn about the pituitary gland, a small endocrine gland that controls many vital functions in your body. Find out what hormones it makes, how it works with your hypothalamus and what conditions can affect it. Structure of Pituitary Gland The structure of the pituitary gland is intricately designed to perform its essential functions within the endocrine system. This small gland, often likened in size to a pea, is situated at the base of the brain, beneath the hypothalamus, and is supported by the bony structure known as the sella turcica. Its anatomical and functional components can be detailed as follows: It's also called the 'master gland' because it tells other glands in the body what to do. The pituitary gland controls growth, metabolism, blood pressure and reproduction. Conditions such as prolactinoma or hypopituitarism happen when the gland makes too much or too little hormone. The pituitary gland plays a role in regulating the functions of other endocrine glands and maintaining blood hormone levels.