The pituitary gland is referred to as the "master gland" because is coordinates and controls the functions for the entire system of endocrine glands.  It is in this unique role due to its location directly below the hypothalamus in the brain.  The pituitary gland is comprised of two lobes, the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe, as shown below.

Anterior Lobe (adenohypophysis)

    The anterior lobe controls the thyroids, adrenals, ovary, and testes.  This lobe secretes the following hormones which carry out various functions:

• Growth hormone  - stimulates the growth of the bone and other body tissues and plays a role in the body's handling of nutrients and minerals. 
  
• Prolactin - activates milk production in women who are breastfeeding. 
  
• Thyrotropin - stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. 
  
• Corticotropin - stimulates the adrenal gland to produce certain hormones. 
  
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) - is in charge of the formation of the ovarian follicle (contains egg).
• Leutinizing hormone (LH) - is responsible for ovulation.
• thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) - used to tell the thyroid to make more thyroxine (T₄); also called thyrotropin.

    The anterior lobe also controls the release of endorphins, which are chemicals that act on the nervous system to reduce sensitivity to pain.

Posterior Lobe (neurohypophysis)

    The posterior lobe is responsible for the release of two hormones.

• Antidiuretic hormone - controls the balance of water within the body.
• Oxytocin - controls the contraction of the uterus during labor.

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