Pituitary

The symptoms of pituitary tumors vary depending on the size and configuration of the tumor and whether or not the particular tumor secretes hormones. The majority of pituitary adenomas are non-malignant and grow slowly within the pituitary gland. However, more aggressive and invasive tumors grow rapidly and can cause blindness, increased intracranial pressure and life-threatening endocrine abnormalities.

One in every four persons may develop a pituitary tumor during their lifetime. Of these, only a relative few will be tested and properly diagnosed. And, unfortunately, of those diagnosed, less than half are likely to receive appropriate and ongoing medical care and treatment. The lag time between onset and diagnosis of some of these illnesses is 10-14 years.

Pituitary Network Association:
http://www.pituitary.com/

The Pituitary Hormones

The anterior pituitary secretes the following:

• Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
• Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
• Prolactin (PRL)
• Growth Hormone (GH)
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Leuteinizing Hormone (LH)

As a point of interest for those whom may or may not in the near future need to memorize these hormones, there's a nice mnemonic for it:

"The Anterior Pituitary Gives Females Life"

The posterior pituitary secretes the following:

• Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
• Oxytocin

Pi*tu"i*ta*ry (?), a. [L. pituita phlegm, pituite: cf. F. pituitarie.] Anat. (a)

Secreting mucus or phlegm; as, the pituitary membrane, or the mucous membrane which lines the nasal cavities.

Of or pertaining to the pituitary body; as, the pituitary fossa.

Pituitary body ∨ gland Anat., a glandlike body of unknown function, situated in the pituitary fossa, and connected with the infundibulum of the brain; the hypophysis. -- Pituitary fossa Anat., the ephippium.

© Webster 1913.