To better understand acromegaly, it helps to understand the anatomy of the pituitary gland.

The pituitary gland is a tiny structure deep in the center of the brain. The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland that is located at the base of the brain (above the palate). It is attached to the hypothalamus by a stalk. The hypothalamus controls the release of hormones from the pituitary gland through the release of neurochemical substances. One of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland is growth hormone.

The brain is a complicated structure that contains many parts. Major parts of the brain include:

• Cerebrum: made up of two cerebral hemispheres, and the largest part of the brain
• The cerebellum: located in the lower, back part of the skull
• The brainstem: responsible for involuntary functions such as breathing
• The blood vessels: a complicated system that supplied critical blood to the brain

Brain anatomy examples:

• Pituitary gland and other structures deep in the brain
• Cross-sections of the major areas of the brain
• The major structures of the brain
• The main areas of brain function (bottom view)
• Cross-section showing the major arteries that supply the brain
• The major arteries located at the bottom of the brain
• Outside of the brain and blood vessels
• Brain arteries on an arteriogram