226 The Endocrine System
Figure 10–2. Hormones of the pituitary gland and their target organs.
QUESTION:Which pituitary hormones have other endocrine glands as their target organs?Despite its small size, the pituitary gland regulates
many body functions. Its two major portions are the
posterior pituitary gland (neurohypophysis), which is
an extension of the nerve tissue of the hypothalamus,
and the anterior pituitary gland (adenohypophysis),
which is separate glandular tissue. All of the hormones
of the pituitary gland and their target organs are
shown in Fig. 10–2. It may be helpful for you to look
at this summary picture before you begin reading the
following sections.