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Pituitary Gland Facts & Worksheets

In vertebrates, the pituitary gland or hypophysis cerebri is an endocrine gland. In humans, the pituitary gland protrudes from the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain.

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In vertebrates, the pituitary gland or hypophysis cerebri is an endocrine gland. In humans, the pituitary gland protrudes from the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain. The pituitary gland in humans is oval-shaped, about the size of a chickpea, and weighs about 0.5 grams (0.018 oz) on average.

See the fact file below for more information about the Pituitary Gland, or you can download our 28-page Pituitary Gland worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

STRUCTURE

  • The pituitary gland is a two-in-one structure composed of the anterior and posterior pituitary glands. These sections have various embryonic beginnings and perform quite different functions.

Anterior Lobe

  • Rathke’s pouch is an outpouching of the top of the pharynx that gives rise to the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis). It is made up of glandular epithelium and secretes several hormones. The lobe is further subdivided into three sections:

FUNCTIONS

  • As the master gland, the pituitary gland produces hormones, monitors, and regulates many body functions, including:
    • Growth and sexual/reproductive development and function
    • Glands (thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and gonads)
    • Organs (kidneys, uterus, and breasts)
  • A stalk connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus, a portion of the brain. 
  • The neuroendocrine system is made up of the brain and the pituitary gland. 
  • This system constantly monitors glands and organs to determine if chemical messengers that control their functions should be sent or stopped.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

  • Pituitary hormones regulate blood pressure, growth, energy management, sex organs, thyroid glands, metabolism, some aspects of pregnancy, childbirth, and lactation, water/salt concentration in the kidneys, pain alleviation, and temperature regulation.
  • Over- or under-production of related hormones can have a negative impact on all pituitary gland functions.
  • Below are some of the conditions affecting the pituitary gland:

Diabetes insipidus

  • Diabetes insipidus is unrelated to type 1 or type 2 diabetes known as diabetes mellitus, however it does have some of the same symptoms. Diabetes insipidus is caused by vasopressin (AVP) dysfunction, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). AVP is important in regulating the quantity of fluid in the body. It is produced by specialized nerve cells in the hypothalamus, a region of the brain. The hypothalamus transports AVP to the pituitary gland, where it is stored until needed.

Hyperprolactinemia

  • Hyperprolactinemia is characterized by unusually high levels of the hormone prolactin in the blood (which boosts breast milk production during and after pregnancy). It is caused by a benign tumor (prolactinoma) in the pituitary gland, which regulates hormone production. It is unknown what causes prolactinomas to form. They appear to happen on their own and are not inherited. Both men and women can develop the tumor. Tumors other than prolactinomas that are located in or near the pituitary gland can impede the supply of dopamine from the brain to the prolactin-secreting cells, resulting in hyperprolactinemia.

Hypopituitarism

  • Hypopituitarism is a rare condition in which the pituitary gland either does not produce or generates insufficient levels of one or more hormones.

Cushing disease

  • Occurs when your body produces an excessive amount of cortisol, a stress hormone. It is a rare and progressive pituitary condition.

Pituitary tumors

  • Pituitary tumors are abnormal pituitary gland growths. This gland is a small organ the size of a pea. It is placed at the base of the brain, behind the nose. Some of these tumors cause the pituitary gland to produce an excessive amount of particular hormones that regulate vital body functions.

TAKING CARE OF THE PITUITARY GLAND

  • Below are some guidelines to help protect and care for your pituitary gland. While they may not fully prevent pituitary disease from occurring, they will benefit the overall health of an individual.
  • Eat a balanced diet:
    • Consuming fruits and vegetables, which are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
    • Choosing excellent fat sources, such as omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats.
    • Choosing whole grains over processed grains.
    • Reducing sodium consumption.
    • Avoid refined sugars.
    • Drink at least four to six cups of water each day.
  • Reduce stress
    • Chronic stress can cause a rise in cortisol levels. Excess cortisol can occasionally lead to:
    • Insomnia
    • Weight Gain
    • Anxiety
    • Depression

PITUITARY IN ANIMALS

  • The pituitary gland is present in all vertebrates, but its form differs between groups. The above-mentioned pituitary division is typical of mammals and, to differing degrees, of all tetrapods. Only in animals does the posterior pituitary have a compact form. 
  • In lungfish, it is a relatively flat layer of tissue over the anterior pituitary, but it develops more fully in amphibians, reptiles, and birds. No animal has a well-developed intermediate lobe, and birds lack one.
  • Except for the lungfish, the pituitary gland in fish differs from that in other animals. The intermediate lobe is generally well-formed and may be the same size as the rest of the anterior pituitary.
  • The posterior lobe comprises a sheet of tissue at the base of the pituitary stalk and, in most circumstances, it sends irregular finger-like projections into the anterior pituitary tissue, which is directly beneath it.
  • The anterior pituitary is often separated into two regions: a more anterior rostral section and a posterior proximal portion, but the distinction between the two is only sometimes clear. In elasmobranchs, an extra ventral lobe lies beneath the anterior pituitary proper.
  • The arrangement in lampreys, among the most rudimentary fish, may reveal how the pituitary gland developed in early vertebrates. The posterior pituitary is a flat layer of tissue near the base of the brain, with no pituitary stalk. Rathke’s pouch remains open on the outside, near the nasal apertures.
  • Three different clusters of glandular tissue are closely connected with the pouch, representing the intermediate lobe and the rostral and proximal sections of the anterior pituitary. 
  • These distinct sections are divided by meningeal membranes, implying that the pituitary gland in other vertebrates may have evolved from the merger of two separate but related glands.

Pituitary Gland Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about the Pituitary Gland across 28 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about the Pituitary Gland. The pituitary gland in humans is oval-shaped, about the size of a chickpea, and weighs about 0.5 grams (0.018 oz) on average.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Pituitary Gland Facts
  2. Word Bank
  3. Myth vs. Fact
  4. My Brain
  5. Gland on the Go!
  6. Locate that Part
  7. Pituitary Power
  8. My Functions
  9. Pituitary Problems
  10. I Care
  11. Prevention

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain, just below the hypothalamus. It is often referred to as the “master gland” because it plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by releasing hormones that control other endocrine glands.

What are the main hormones produced by the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland produces several important hormones, including growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones regulate growth, metabolism, reproductive functions, and the activity of other endocrine glands.

How does the pituitary gland communicate with the rest of the body?

The pituitary gland communicates with the rest of the body through the release of hormones into the bloodstream. The hypothalamus, a region of the brain, produces releasing and inhibiting hormones that signal the pituitary gland to release or inhibit the production of specific hormones. These hormones then travel through the bloodstream to target organs and glands, where they exert their effects.

What are some disorders associated with the pituitary gland?

Disorders of the pituitary gland can lead to hormonal imbalances and various health issues. Conditions such as acromegaly (excess growth hormone), Cushing’s disease (excess ACTH), hypopituitarism (insufficient hormone production), and prolactinoma (excess prolactin) are examples of disorders that can affect the pituitary gland.

How is the function of the pituitary gland assessed and diagnosed?

Evaluation of the pituitary gland involves blood tests to measure hormone levels, imaging studies such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to visualize the gland and surrounding structures, and sometimes dynamic function tests. These tests help diagnose disorders and guide the treatment of conditions affecting the pituitary gland. Treatment options may include medications, surgery, or other interventions depending on the specific disorder.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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