Why is pituitary gland called ‘master gland’?

The pituitary gland is the main endocrine gland in our body. It is often called the “master gland” because it makes hormones that control other glands and many important body functions, including growth.

The pituitary gland has two main parts:

1. Anterior pituitary (front part)
2. Posterior pituitary (back part)

Both parts release different hormones into the blood. These hormones act like chemical messengers, carrying signals from one cell to another through the bloodstream.

If the pituitary gland makes too little hormone, the condition is called hypopituitarism. If it makes too much hormone, it causes problems due to overproduction. That’s why the pituitary is called the master gland—because it controls so many functions.

Note: The most common problem with the pituitary gland is the growth of a non-cancerous tumour, called an adenoma. These are not “brain tumours.” Some pituitary tumours stay in the body for years without showing symptoms, and some may never cause problems at all.