Endocrinology Health Guide The Pituitary Gland Anatomy of the pituitary gland: The pituitary gland is sometimes called the "master" gland of the endocrine system, because it controls the functions of the other endocrine glands. The pituitary gland is no larger than a pea, and is located at the base of the brain. The gland is attached to the hypothalumus (a part of the brain that affects the pituitary gland) by nerve fibers. The pituitary gland itself consists of three sections: the anterior lobe the intermediate lobe the posterior lobe Functions of the pituitary gland: Each lobe of the pituitary gland produces certain hormones. anterior lobe: growth hormone prolactin - to stimulate milk production after giving birth ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) - to stimulate the adrenal glands TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) - to stimulate the thyroid gland FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries and testes LH (luteinizing hormone) - to stimulate the ovaries or testes intermediate lobe: melanocyte-stimulating hormone - to control skin pigmentation posterior lobe: ADH (antidiuretic hormone) - to increase absorption of water into the blood by the kidneys oxytocin - to contract the uterus during childbirth and stimulate milk production This page was last updated on: May 23, 2006.