What is the primary function of the pituitary gland?

The primary function of the pituitary gland is to control the functions of other endocrine glands. Known as the "master gland," the pituitary gland produces and secretes hormones that influence a wide range of bodily functions by regulating the activity of other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, and gonads. For example, it produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which prompts the thyroid gland to release hormones that regulate metabolism, and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) that stimulates the adrenal glands.

The role of the pituitary gland is crucial because it impacts various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, and reproduction, by orchestrating the endocrine system's overall function through hormonal signaling. Understanding this central role helps clarify how the endocrine system maintains homeostasis in the body.