The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, (from Greek hupophuein, to grow up beneath) is an endocrine gland about the size of a pea. It is a protrusion off the bottom of the hypothalamus at the base of the brain, and rests in a small, bony cavity (sella turcica) covered by a dural fold (diaphragma sellae).

The pituitary fossa, in which the pituitary gland sits, is situated in the sphenoid bone in the middle cranial fossa at the base of the brain.

The pituitary gland secretes hormones regulating homeostasis, including trophic hormones that stimulate other endocrine glands. It is functionally connected to the hypothalamus by the median eminence.

The hypophysis is also the top cell of the suspensor in a dicot embryo, which will differentiate to form part of the root cap.

Called the master gland, the pituitary secretes hormones that control the activity of other endocrine glands and regulate various biological processes. Its secretions include growth hormone.
a. (which stimulates cellular activity in bone, cartilage, and other structural tissue); thyroid

stimulating hormone
b. (which causes the thyroid to release metabolism-regulating hormones); antidiuretic hormone
c. (which causes the kidney to excrete less water in the urine); and prolactin
d. (which stimulates milk production and breast development in females).
The pituitary gland is influenced both neurally and hormonally by the hypothalamus.

source:wiki/encarta encyclopedia