Abstract
This case study is designed to teach introductory biology majors about the role of the pituitary in controlling hormones. It could easily be applied or modified to fit a variety of other courses, including a non-majors introductory biology course or any of a variety of human health-related courses, particularly human anatomy and physiology. It presents an actual case of a boy who begins to show the first signs of a pituitary tumor at the age of 11. The case chronicles his symptoms and medical conditions (and crises) through age 45. By examining the effects of pituitary disruption and tracing them back to their hormonal causes, students gain an understanding of the role of the pituitary in controlling a variety of hormones as well as the cascade of effects triggered by high-level pituitary hormones.