Health Psychology, 2nd Edition

The pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is located just below the hypothalamus and is considered the
‘master’ gland because it regulates the endocrine gland secretions. It has two parts: the
anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The former secretes growth hormone
(GH), adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH),
follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). The latter
component releases oxytocin and vasopressin. Overall the pituitary gland plays an
important role in the regulation of the growth of body tissues (through release of GH),
the development of the gonads, ovum and sperm (through the release of FSH and

20 BIOLOGICAL BASES OF HEALTH AND ILLNESS

FIGURE 2.2The sympathetic nervous system (left) and the parasympathetic nervous
system (right).

Source: Copyright Alila Medical Media/Shutterstock.com.

Dilates pupils

Inhibits salivation

Relaxes bronchi

Accelerates heartbeat

Inhibits peristalsis

and secretion

Stimulates glucose

production and release

Secretion of adrenaline

and noradrenaline

Inhibits bladder contraction

Stimulates orgasm