The pituitary gland, also called the hypophysis, regulates many other endocrine glands through its production of hormones. It is divided into the anterior and posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary produces hormones that control growth, metabolism, reproduction, and lactation. These hormones are regulated by hypothalamic releasing and inhibiting hormones. The posterior pituitary stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin, which are produced in the hypothalamus and travel to the pituitary via nerve fibers. Together, the hormones produced by the anterior and posterior pituitary regulate important bodily functions.