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The
primary function of the Pituitary Gland is the production of hormones which
are used to influence the functioning of most physiologic processes throughout
the body. The hypothalmus secretes hormones which instruct the Anterior
Lobe to release or stop releasing regulatory hormones. Some of the hormones
released by the Pituitary are not relevant to adult males (e.g., Prolactin),
while others may have vital functions that go beyond the obvious (e.g.,
HGH, Human Growth Hormone). Other hormones are required, such as the Anterior
Lobe's thyroid stimulating hormone Thyrotropin, the adrenocorticotropic
hormone ACTH, and the Posterior Lobe's antidiuretic hormone, Vasopressin.
Not only must these hormones be released, but they must be regulated. Hormones
from the target organ (Thyroid, Adrenal Glands, Kidney) are detected by
the Pituitary Gland which then decrease their hormonal output. The result
is stabilization from a negative feedback loop. Without
a Pituitary Gland the production of the hormones is impossible, the regulation
of the target organs is difficult. If the entire Pituitary is damaged
by a massive tumor then the operation necessary to remove the tumor, as
well as the tumor itself, will damage surrounding portions of the brain.
In some cases the tumor may undergo Apoplexy,
a process where it will expand rapidly, crushing the surrounding sella
turcia bone in a matter of days. If not caught quickly, an rapidly expanding
tumor will result in death.
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