Pituitary Gland
Also known as: pituitary · hypophysis · master gland
The "master gland" at the base of the brain that releases growth hormone and other hormones on hypothalamic command.
The pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, often called the master gland because its hormones control other endocrine glands. Its anterior lobe produces and releases growth hormone (GH), among others.
It is central to growth-hormone-axis research: GHRH analogs and GHRPs act at the pituitary to prompt it to release the body’s own GH, rather than supplying hormone from outside.
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RELATED TERMS
Hypothalamus
The brain region that governs the endocrine system, releasing GHRH and somatostatin to control the pituitary.
Growth Hormone (GH)
The pituitary hormone driving growth, repair and metabolism; the target of secretagogue rather than direct-supply research.
GHRH
Growth-Hormone-Releasing Hormone — the hypothalamic hormone that signals the pituitary to release growth hormone.
GHRP
Growth Hormone Releasing Peptide — a class acting on the ghrelin receptor to trigger pulsatile GH release.
Secretagogue
A substance that prompts a gland to secrete a hormone — e.g. a GH secretagogue triggers the pituitary to release growth hormone.
Educational content, not medical advice. All products supplied for research purposes only — not for human consumption.