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GCSE Biology · key term
An endocrine gland at the base of the brain that releases several hormones, some of which stimulate other glands to release hormones.
Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR
Specification 4.5.3.1 · Paper 2
Revise: Endocrine SystemThe pituitary gland is at the base of the brain; the thyroid is in the neck. The adrenal glands sit above the kidneys, and the pancreas lies in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach. The ovaries are in the lower abdomen or pelvis, on either side of the uterus, while the testes are in the scrotum below the body.
Specification 7.3 · Paper 2
An endocrine gland near the base of the brain that releases TSH in response to TRH.
Revise: ThyroxineThe body needs enough thyroxine to support an appropriate metabolic rate, but the concentration must also be controlled. It does this through a chain involving three parts of the endocrine system: the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland.
Specification B3.1f · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
An endocrine gland controlled by the hypothalamus that releases many hormones affecting other organs and glands.
Revise: The brainOne way it does this is by controlling the pituitary gland.
For a sequence question, name each structure as well as each hormone: hypothalamus → TRH → pituitary gland → TSH → thyroid gland → thyroxine.
Do not say that TSH is produced by the thyroid gland. TSH is released by the pituitary gland and acts on the thyroid gland.
Distinguish the hormones clearly: TRH stimulates the pituitary gland, whereas TSH stimulates the thyroid gland.
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