Cell Signalling Within Pituitary, the Master Gland of the Endocrine System

The endocrine system is responsible for ensuring whole body homeostasis through the regulation of multiple systemic functions. This goal is achieved by enabling a highly efficient intra and inter-cellular communication through the use of chemical messengers, commonly known as hormones. Given the unquestionable importance that the endocrine system assumes for survival, each endocrine function is tightly regulated through multiple molecular mediators organized in redundant signalling pathways that intermingle towards a single common aim, the continuous strive for body balance. In this section, promised of two parts/chapters, the signaling pathways responsible for the regulation of physiological functions within the endocrine organs are reviewed. This is the first section comprising the detailed description of the signalling pathways that were identified in the pituitary gland.