What is the pituitary and what role does it have?

The pituitary (or the hypophysis) is a gland located at the base of the encephalon. It's composed of three lobes: the anterior lobe, the intermediate lobe and the posterior lobe. These lobes produce hormones that either affect the activity of other glands (tropic hormones) or of other parts of the body. For example, the anterior lobe produces the tropic hormone named Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which influences the activity and the growth of the thyroid, another gland. A non-tropic hormone produced by the anterior lobe is the growth hormone (or somatotropin, STH), which stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration.

Related Human Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

Describe the physiology of the cardiac cycle and how it is regulated.


GCSE Biology - Describe the structure of DNA and how does this structure affect the proteins made in protein synthesis.


How does the structure of a ball and socket joint allow it to bring about movement?


Explain how negative feedback mechanisms help the body achieve homeostasis


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy