What is the pituitary gland

The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of your brain below your hypothalamus. It sits in its own little chamber under your brain known as the ( sella turcica ). It's a part of your endocrine system and is in charge of making several essential hormones. Your pituitary gland also tells other endocrine system glands to release hormones.

The pituitary gland secretes hormones from both the front part (anterior) and the back part (posterior) of the gland. Hormones are chemicals that carry messages from one cell to another through the bloodstream, and to  various organs, skin, muscles and other tissues. These signals tell your body what to do and when to do it.

Oxytocin is produced in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary, where it is stored and released into the bloodstream. It plays an important role in labour, breastfeeding and aspects of bonding and social behaviour.