The pituitary gland is known as the “master gland” because it regulates the actions of the body’s other endocrine glands. It weighs roughly 0.5 grams on average. The pituitary gland influences a variety of physiological functions.
For example:
Thyroid Function: The pituitary gland regulates thyroid gland activity by secreting thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which influences metabolism, energy production, and other processes.
The pituitary gland: The pituitary gland releases adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which stimulates the adrenal glands to create cortisol, a hormone implicated in stress response, metabolism, and immunological function.
Reproductive Hormones: Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) control reproductive processes like ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.