The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain, just behind the bridge of the nose. It rests within a hollowed- out area of the sphenoid bone called the sella turcica, directly below the hypothalamus to which it is connected by a stalk (pituitary stalk or infundibulum).
Location Details
- Positioned at the base of the brain
- Behind the bridge of the nose
- Within the sella turcica, a depression in the sphenoid bone
- Connected to the hypothalamus above it by a stalk
Anatomy
- About half an inch (1.25 cm) in diameter, pea-sized
- Comprises two main lobes: anterior and posterior lobes
This strategic location allows the pituitary gland to regulate crucial bodily functions by releasing hormones and controlling other endocrine glands.
