Stimulates the production and release of cortisol from the adrenal gland Stimulates ovulation and the production of testosterone Stimulates the thyroid gland to produce triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) Stimulates the growth of tissues in the body Anterior Pituitary Hormones and their Target Organs The hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary gland and their target organs are described in table 1. Therefore, the pituitary gland is called the master gland. The anterior pituitary gland secretes seven important hormones, inducing the secondary endocrine glands to produce and secrete hormones. The structure and the hormones secreted by the adrenal gland are shown in figure 1.

The production and secretion of mineralocorticoids are regulated by the sympathetic nervous system. The aldosterone is the mineralocorticoid secreted by the adrenal cortex, regulating the water and salt balance of the blood. The production and secretion of glucocorticoids are regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. These two enzymes regulate the metabolism of proteins and fats under stressful conditions. The two types of glucocorticoids secreted by the adrenal cortex are cortisol and corticosterone. It mainly secretes two groups of enzymes: glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. The adrenal cortex is the firm, outer part of the adrenal gland. Two distinct cell layers can be identified inside the Adrenal Gland: adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. The adrenal gland is a triangular-shaped organ with 1.5 inches in height and 3 inches in length. There is a pair of adrenal glands in the human body. Key Terms: Adrenal Cortex, Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Medulla, Aldosterone, Anterior Pituitary Gland, Cortisol, Hypophysis, Master Gland, Pituitary Gland, Posterior Pituitary GlandĪdrenal gland is a small gland located on top of the kidney. What is the Difference Between Adrenal Gland and Pituitary Gland

What are the Similarities Between Adrenal Gland and Pituitary GlandĤ. The hypothalamus controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland. The production and release of hormones in the adrenaline gland are regulated by the pituitary gland and the sympathetic nervous system. The main difference between adrenal gland and pituitary gland is that adrenal gland is a secondary endocrine gland whereas pituitary gland is a primary endocrine gland. Primary endocrine glands secrete hormones to regulate the production and release of hormones of the secondary endocrine glands. Endocrine glands are categorized into primary and secondary endocrine glands. Endocrine glands produce hormones and secrete them directly to the blood in order to be transported to the target organ. Main Difference – Adrenal gland vs Pituitary GlandĪdrenal gland and pituitary gland are two types of endocrine glands in animals.

Hormones secreted by adrenal gland