Disorders of Pituitary Gland: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments, Types, Causes

What Is the Pituitary Gland?

The pituitary gland, also referred to as the "master gland,". It is a small, pea-sized organ located at the base of the brain. This organ controls other endocrine glands and therefore maintains hormonal balance within the human body.

The hormones released by the pituitary control several physiological activities, such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress response. It is important in regulating and influencing the normal functioning of many organs and systems in the body.

Anatomy and Function of the Pituitary Gland

The pituitary gland is differentiated into two distinct parts: the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis).

Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis)

• Larger and comprises glandular tissue.

• Produces several trophic hormones

• Hormones produces are GH, TSH, ACTH, PRL, FSH, LH

Posterior Pituitary (Neurohypophysis)

• Consists of neural tissue.

• Stores and releases hypothalamic hormones

• Hormones released include oxytocin and ADH (vasopressin)

Introduction to Pituitary Gland Disorders

The pituitary gland performs a crucial role in controlling many bodily hormonal operations. The problems with the pituitary gland bring high health complications because it has control over other endocrine glands and significant systems of the body. Pituitary gland disorders are:

Hypopituitarism

Hypopituitarism is the condition where the pituitary gland stops or impaired in the production of its hormones or secretes them in inadequate quantities

Causes

• Pituitary tumours

• Traumatic brain injuries

• Infections

• Radiation therapy

• Autoimmune diseases

• Genetic mutations

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Fatigue, weight loss

• Decreased libido, infertility

• Growth delays in children

• Intolerance to cold.

• Diagnosis: Blood tests, stimulation tests, and imaging studies like an MRI.

Treatment

• Hormones replacement to bring the levels back to normal.

• Medications like cortisol, thyroid hormones, sex hormones, and growth hormone.

• Treatment of underlying cause (surgery, radiation)

Hyperpituitarism

Hyperpituitarism is the hyperproduction of hormones by the pituitary gland due to the benign tumour called adenomas.

Causes

• Genetic mutations

• Development of pituitary adenomas.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Acromegaly in adults and gigantism in children.

• Too much prolactin causes galactorrhea and menstrual irregularities.

• Diagnosis: Hormone blood tests and CT or MRI scans to detect any pituitary tumour.

Treatment

• Drugs to regularize hormone levels (e.g., dopamine agonists)

• Surgical intervention

• Radiation therapy

• Hormone replacement might also be necessary.

Pituitary Tumors

Tumors of the pituitary can be divided into :

1. Adenomas: A benign tumour, microadenoma (measures less than 10 mm), or a macroadenoma (measures more than 10 mm).

2. Carcinomas: These are highly rare, malignant pituitary tumours.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

• Headaches, visual disturbance

• Hormonal imbalance.

• Diagnosis: MRI or CT scan to visualize the tumour, blood tests to check hormone levels and visual field tests.

Treatment

• Surgery

• Radiation therapy

• Medications (dopamine agonists, somatostatin analogues)

Disorders of Pituitary Glands NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)

Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:

• Pituitary hormones and their functions

• Disorders related to pituitary gland

Practice Questions for NEET

Q1. What alternative term is used to refer to Hypophysis cerebri?

1. Adenohypophysis

2. Islets of Langerhans

3. Neurohypophysis

4. Pituitary Gland

Correct answer: 4) Pituitary Gland

Explanation:

The Hypophysis cerebri, also known as the Pituitary Gland, is a small gland located at the base of the brain. It is often referred to as the "master gland" because it plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions by secreting hormones that control the activity of other endocrine glands. While the other options mentioned (Adenohypophysis, Islets of Langerhans, and Neurohypophysis) are related to specific parts or functions of the pituitary gland, the term Pituitary Gland itself is commonly used to denote the entire gland as a whole.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Pituitary Gland.

Q2. Which hormone stimulates the secretion of milk from females?

1. Oxytocin

2. Progesterone

3. Luteinizing hormone

4. Prolactin

Correct answer: 4) Prolactin

Explanation:

The hormone that stimulates the secretion of milk in females is prolactin. The pituitary gland releases prolactin following childbirth. It encourages the production of milk by the mammary glands for nursing. Although the hormone levels rise during pregnancy, progesterone levels fall after delivery which is when true milk secretion starts. By helping in the ejection of milk from the breasts during breastfeeding, oxytocin also contributes.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4) Prolactin.

Q3. Which part of Pituitary Gland originates as Rathke's Pouch?

1. Anterior Pituitary

2. Posterior Pituitary

3. Intermediate Lobe

4. Entire Gland

Correct answer: 1) Anterior Pituitary

Explanation:

Adenohypophysis / Anterior Pituitary/ Pars Distalis originates as Rathke's Pouch while Neurohypophysis originates from the floor of the diencephalon. Both of these regions of the pituitary gland have their distinct functions. The anterior pituitary secretes various hormones while the posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.

Hence, the correct answer is option1) Anterior Pituitary

Also Read:

• MCQs on Pituitary Gland

• Mechanism of Hormone Action

• Pancreas Function in Human Body

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