Final answer:
The pituitary gland consists of an anterior pituitary and a posterior pituitary, each with different functions. The anterior pituitary is made up of glandular tissue and secretes six hormones, while the posterior pituitary stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The pituitary gland consists of two functional areas: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary is made up of glandular tissue that produces and secretes six hormones: growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL).
These hormones regulate various processes in the body, including growth, metabolism, reproduction, and milk production. The posterior pituitary is an extension of the brain and stores and releases two hormones produced by the hypothalamus: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Oxytocin is involved in childbirth and breastfeeding, while ADH regulates water balance in the body.