Describe the hormones of the pituitary gland and their functions.

1. 1 · Open. The pituitary is a pea-sized gland at the base of the brain, joined to the hypothalamus. It is called the master gland.
2. 2 · Show its position. [Diagram: brain with hypothalamus, stalk and pituitary, showing the anterior and posterior lobes]
3. 3 · Anterior lobe hormones.
   • GH: growth of bones and muscles.
   • TSH: stimulates the thyroid.
   • ACTH: stimulates the adrenal cortex.
   • FSH and LH: control the gonads; LH causes ovulation.
   • Prolactin: milk production.
4. 4 · Posterior lobe hormones.
   • Vasopressin (ADH): water reabsorption in the kidneys.
   • Oxytocin: contraction of the uterus and release of milk.
5. 5 · Why it is the master gland. Its hormones control the thyroid, the adrenal cortex and the gonads.
6. 6 · Link to daily life. Doctors may give oxytocin to help childbirth, and they check growth hormone when a child grows very slowly.
7. 7 · Close. So the pituitary controls growth, water balance, reproduction and other glands.

Scoring tip: Split the hormones under anterior and posterior lobes. A two-part table looks neat and earns full marks.