Anatomy & Physiology › Section O · The endocrine system › Topic O.2
The pituitary and hypothalamus
A pea-sized gland hanging beneath the brain controls the thyroid, the adrenal cortex, the gonads and the breasts, and it takes its orders from the hypothalamus just above it. This pair is where nervous signals are translated into hormones.
In this topic
- The command centre
- The posterior pituitary: storage, not manufacture
- Antidiuretic hormone
- Oxytocin
- The anterior pituitary and its portal system
- Hormones of the anterior pituitary
- Growth hormone and IGFs
- Worked example: a long run on a hot day
- Worked example: a damaged pituitary stalk
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Key takeaways
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