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Pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is a small gland located beneath the brain. The pituitary gland produces substances (hormones) that enter the bloodstream and help control many processes of the body.

Hormones produced in the pituitary gland help manage these body functions:

  • Growth
  • Blood pressure
  • Some aspects of pregnancy
  • Breast milk production
  • Sex organ functions in both women and men
  • Thyroid gland function
  • The conversion of food into energy (metabolism)
  • Water balance in the body

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