Describe the pituitary gland, including its location, the hormones produced by this gland, and the effects of these hormones on the body and behavior when produced in normal or abnormal amounts; and explain the function of the pituitary gland as the "master gland" and how this gland is, in turn, influenced by a brain structure in the limbic system

What will be an ideal response?

Answer will include that the pituitary is a pea-sized globe hanging from the base of the brain. One of the pituitary's more important roles is to regulate growth. During childhood, the pituitary secretes a hormone that speeds body development. If too little growth hormone is released, a person may remain far smaller than average. If this condition is not treated, a child may be six to 12 inches shorter than age-mates. As adults, some will have hypopituitary dwarfism. Such individuals are perfectly proportioned, but tiny. Regular injections of growth hormone can raise a hypopituitary child's height by several inches, usually to the short side of average. Too much growth hormone produces gigantism (excessive bodily growth). Secretion of too much growth hormone late in the growth period causes acromegaly, a condition in which the arms, hands, feet, and facial bones become enlarged. Acromegaly produces prominent facial features, which some people have used as a basis for careers as character actors, wrestlers, and the like. Oxytocin, another important hormone released by the pituitary, plays a broad role in regulating many behaviors generally involved in happiness. These include pregnancy, parenthood, sexual activity, social bonding, trust, and even reducing stress reactions. The pituitary is often called the "master gland" because it influences other endocrine glands (especially the thyroid, adrenal glands, and ovaries or testes). These glands in turn regulate such bodily processes as metabolism, responses to stress, and reproduction. But the master has a master: The pituitary is directed by the hypothalamus, which lies directly above it. In this way, the hypothalamus can affect glands throughout the body and is the major link between the brain and hormones.