The Pituitary Gland. The pituitary is the ‘master’ endocrine gland (about the size of a pea) which is controlled by the hypothalamus to release a variety of hormones which modify the state of physiology and our basic motivations.he anterior pituitary secretes 9 different important hormones: 1  Growth hormone (also referred to as 'Human Growth Hormone', 'HGH' or 'GH' or somatotropin). 2  Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). 3  Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). 4  Vasopressin. 5  Oxytocin. 6  Luteinizing hormone (LH).