Functions:
The pituitary gland is involved in several functions of the body including growth hormone production, production of hormones that act on other endocrine glands, production of hormones that act on muscles and kidneys. Endocrine function regulation and storage of hormones is done by the hypothalamus.
Diseases:
Overproduction of pituitary hormones produces diseases like acromegaly, cushing’s syndrome, hyperpituitarism, syndrome of inappropriate ant diuretic hormone. Under production of pituitary hormone or growth hormone leads to growth hormone deficiency, diabetes insipidus, sheehan syndrome, hypopituitarism. Over or under production of pituitary hormone will affect the respective end organ.
Interesting Facts:
Pituitary gland malfunction can boost or reduce the amount of growth hormone in a growing child’s body.
