The pituitary gland could be considered as the "master gland" of the body as, the anterior and posterior pituitary secrete a battery of hormones that collectively influence all cells and affect virtually all physiologic processes. On the other hand, the pituitary galnd is highly influenced by the hypothalmus through the release of hypothalmic hormones and factors.

Hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones are carried directly to the anterior pituitary gland via hypothalamic-hypophyseal portal veins. Specific hypothalamic hormones bind to receptors on specific anterior pituitary cells, modulating the release of the hormone they produce.

The release or inhibition of the pituitary hormones is under a negative feedback mechanism.