The posterior pituitary controls metabolism; the anterior pituitary is involved in stress responses.

The anterior pituitary releases hormones directly into the blood, while the posterior pituitary sends hormones via nerve fibers.

The anterior pituitary produces multiple hormones that stimulate various target glands; the posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones produced in the hypothalamus.

Both pituitary sections produce the same hormones but operate at different times of day.