Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is a small structure about the size of a pea on the underside of the brain. Its main function is the production of a number of hormones among these being growth hormones that stimulates growth of the body and which also influence the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins. It also produces hormones that control the function of the thyroid and adrenal glands and hormones that stimulate the gonads, ovaries and testicles. In addition it stimulates the production of milk. Other hormones produced affect the contraction of the smaller blood vessels and the output of urine