Anatomy · Endocrine · Head

Pituitary gland anatomy

Also known as: hypophysis

The master gland at the base of the brain, controlling growth, thyroid, adrenal and reproductive hormones.

Open in the 3D explorer Locate structures Quiz: endocrine
3D model of the Pituitary gland in the Anatomy Nexus anatomy atlas
Interactive 3D model: Pituitary gland. Orbit, zoom and click the structures.Load the 3D model
Overview page. A full anatomy article for the pituitary gland has not been written yet; below are the modelled structures, the system it belongs to and every clinical topic that mentions it.

About

A pea-sized gland hanging from the hypothalamus in a bony hollow of the sphenoid.

Function. The 'master gland': controls growth, thyroid, adrenal and reproductive function and water balance.

Clinical note. Pituitary tumours can press on the optic chiasm, narrowing the visual fields.

Structures in the atlas 1

The modelled pieces that make up the pituitary gland in the 3D atlas. Each opens in the explorer.

The endocrine in brief

Endocrine glands release hormones into the blood to regulate metabolism, growth, stress responses and reproduction. The pituitary, hanging from the base of the brain, controls most other glands. The adrenal glands cap the kidneys, producing cortisol, aldosterone and adrenaline. The pineal body, which sets the sleep-wake rhythm, is modelled with the brain; the thyroid gland is not included in this release.

All structures of the endocrine