Introduction
Along with the nervous (central nervous system (CNS)) and
circulatory systems, the endocrine system coordinates and integrates
a huge variety of vital body functions. The blood circulation
is a main carrier for the hormones’ distribution to target
tissues. The neurosecretory cells of the hypothalamus produce
and release the neurohormones that through the anterior and
posterior lobes of the pituitary gland (PG) stimulate the synthesis
and secretion of different hormones into the bloodstream,
which regulate and maintain the control of the
adrenal and thyroid glands and gonads through the cascade
of complex neuroendocrine feedback and a number of neuronal
peripheral mechanisms. The focus of this article is the
organization of the PG, the major elements of the neuroendocrine
pathways, and the role of the PG in the control and
modulation of a variety of vital body functions.