The pituitary gland is a very small gland located roughly at the back of the spine at the base of the neck. Despite its size, it is probably by far the most important gland in the human body as it is responsible for the regulation of the majority of other glands, as well as several regular bodily functions. Most important is its role in producing human growth hormone, which is the key hormone in growth to adulthood. Starting at puberty, it releases human growth hormone, which causes the body to grow quickly and also triggers the sex organs (testicles and ovaries) to produce more sex hormones to bring on secondary sexual characteristics. In normal persons, the hormone stops being released, except in minor quantities, after a person reaches adulthood.