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Pituitary gland

A small oval shaped endocrine gland situated at the base of the brain in the fossa (depression) of the sphenoid bone. The overall role is to regulate growth and metabolism. The gland is divided into the posterior and anterior pituitary, each responsible for the production of its own unique hormones. The master gland of the endocrine system; located at the base of the brain.A gland of the endocrine system responsible for releasing a variety of hormones, found at the base of the brain. It consists of two areas, the anterior and posterior parts which are specialised in function. The hypothalamus has a degree of control over the pituitary which in turn controls actions in other endocrine organs.