Anterior Pituitary vs. Posterior Pituitary: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on October 27, 2023
The anterior pituitary produces and releases hormones; the posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones made by the hypothalamus.
Key Differences
The anterior pituitary, also known as the adenohypophysis, is an essential glandular part of the pituitary gland. In contrast, the posterior pituitary, or neurohypophysis, primarily serves as a storage unit for hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
Functionally, the anterior pituitary synthesizes and secretes various hormones that influence growth, metabolism, and reproduction. The posterior pituitary, while not producing its own hormones, releases oxytocin and vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) that are pre-produced in the hypothalamus.
Structurally, the anterior pituitary consists of glandular tissue, enabling it to produce hormones directly. The posterior pituitary, composed mainly of nerve tissue, allows it to communicate efficiently with the hypothalamus.
Hormones like growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and prolactin are some of the critical hormones released by the anterior pituitary. On the other hand, the posterior pituitary focuses on the release of just two primary hormones: oxytocin and vasopressin.
A dysfunction in the anterior pituitary might result in conditions like acromegaly or Cushing's disease. In contrast, issues in the posterior pituitary can lead to diabetes insipidus, where the body can't regulate fluid balance properly.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Function
Produces and releases hormones
Stores and releases hypothalamus-made hormones
Composition
Glandular tissue
Nervous tissue
Key Hormones
Growth hormone, TSH, prolactin
Oxytocin, vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone)
Also Known As
Adenohypophysis
Neurohypophysis
Common Dysfunctions
Acromegaly, Cushing's disease
Diabetes insipidus
ADVERTISEMENT
Anterior Pituitary and Posterior Pituitary Definitions
Anterior Pituitary
The anterior pituitary releases hormones like growth hormone and prolactin.
Excess secretion from the anterior pituitary can lead to disorders.
Posterior Pituitary
The posterior pituitary releases two main hormones: oxytocin and vasopressin.
Vasopressin from the posterior pituitary helps in water retention.
Anterior Pituitary
Located at the base of the brain, the anterior pituitary is part of the endocrine system.
The anterior pituitary, a pea-sized gland, plays a central role in hormone regulation.
Posterior Pituitary
Composed of nerve tissue, the posterior pituitary is linked to the hypothalamus.
The posterior pituitary and hypothalamus have a close functional relationship.
Anterior Pituitary
The anterior pituitary is also termed the adenohypophysis.
The adenohypophysis, or anterior pituitary, is vital for our body's hormonal balance.
Posterior Pituitary
The posterior pituitary, also known as the neurohypophysis, doesn't produce its own hormones.
The hormones released by the posterior pituitary are actually synthesized in the hypothalamus.
Anterior Pituitary
The anterior pituitary is the glandular part of the pituitary gland.
Dysfunction in the anterior pituitary can influence body growth.
Posterior Pituitary
The posterior pituitary stores hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
When required, the posterior pituitary releases oxytocin during childbirth.
Anterior Pituitary
The anterior pituitary synthesizes and secretes hormones.
The anterior pituitary releases hormones that impact our metabolism.
Posterior Pituitary
Dysfunctions in the posterior pituitary can result in diabetes insipidus.
Issues with the posterior pituitary can severely impact fluid regulation.
FAQs
What kind of tissue forms the anterior pituitary?
The anterior pituitary consists of glandular tissue.
Which part of the pituitary gland is directly connected to the hypothalamus?
The posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) is directly connected to the hypothalamus.
Where are oxytocin and vasopressin stored?
They're stored in the posterior pituitary and are produced by the hypothalamus.
Can dysfunctions of the posterior pituitary lead to frequent urination?
Yes, especially in conditions like diabetes insipidus due to vasopressin deficiency.
Is growth hormone produced in the anterior pituitary?
Yes, the growth hormone is produced and released by the anterior pituitary.
Is prolactin produced in the anterior pituitary?
Yes, prolactin is synthesized and released by the anterior pituitary.
What does the anterior pituitary do?
The anterior pituitary produces and releases hormones affecting growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
How many hormones does the posterior pituitary release?
The posterior pituitary mainly releases two hormones: oxytocin and vasopressin.
Can the posterior pituitary produce hormones?
No, the posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones made by the hypothalamus.
How big is the anterior pituitary?
It's about the size of a pea, located at the base of the brain.
Can dysfunctions in the anterior pituitary affect metabolism?
Yes, since the anterior pituitary releases hormones influencing metabolism.
Which part of the pituitary gland plays a role during childbirth?
The posterior pituitary releases oxytocin, which plays a role during childbirth.
Does the anterior pituitary influence the thyroid gland?
Yes, the anterior pituitary releases thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH).
What can happen if the posterior pituitary doesn't release enough vasopressin?
It can result in diabetes insipidus, a condition affecting fluid balance.
What's another term for the posterior pituitary?
It's also called the neurohypophysis.
Do disorders of the anterior pituitary affect growth?
Yes, disorders like acromegaly result from excess growth hormone from the anterior pituitary.
What hormones does the anterior pituitary produce to influence reproductive functions?
The anterior pituitary produces luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), among others.
How does the posterior pituitary communicate with the hypothalamus?
Through nerve tissue and axonal connections.
What is another name for the anterior pituitary?
It's also known as the adenohypophysis.
What is the primary composition of the posterior pituitary?
The posterior pituitary is primarily composed of nerve tissue.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
