The pituitary gland is a small gland at the base of the brain, often called the "master gland" because it controls many other endocrine glands. It receives signals from the hypothalamus and releases hormones into the bloodstream.
Key Functions
- •Stress response — releases ACTH, which stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol
- •Growth — growth hormone
- •Reproduction — gonadotropins
- •Metabolism — thyroid-stimulating hormone
- •Fluid balance — antidiuretic hormone
In the HPA Axis
Hypothalamus → CRH → Pituitary → ACTH → Adrenal → Cortisol. The pituitary is the middle link in the stress response chain.
Scientific Basis
Built on: Polyvagal Theory (Porges); Psychoneuroimmunology (Ader & Cohen); neuroplasticity research.