Anatomy: Anatomy of the Pituitary Gland Flashcards
What is the function of luteinising hormone (LH)?
Stimulates androgen production by gonads
What is indicated by the arrow?
Tentorium cerebelli
Describe the histology of the posterior pituitary
Non-myelinated axons of neurosecretory neurons
What is the diaphragma sella?
Tough sheet of dura mata forming roof (diaphragm) over pituitary fossa
Name a complication of damage to the dura mater during pituitary gland surgery
CSF leak
What do mammotrophs secrete?
Prolactin (PRL)
Which branch of the trigeminal nerve passes through the superior orbital fissure?
Ophthalmic (CN V1)
What do gonadotrophs secrete?
Gonadotrophins - FSH and LH
What is indicated by the arrow?
CN IV
What is the function of prolactin (PRL)?
Promotes milk production from mammary glands
What is indicated by the arrow?
CN VI
A functional deficit of which nerve will produce sensory symptoms on the face and difficulty masticating?
Trigeminal nerve (CN V)
What do somatotrophs secrete?
Growth hormone (GH)
What is the function of the internal carotid artery?
Supplies arterial blood to brain and orbit (including globe)
What is the function of growth hormone (GH)?
Promotes growth of body tissues
Which part of the pituitary gland begins embryological development as an outpouching of the third ventricular floor?
Posterior
What is the function of antidiuretic hormone (ADH)?
Stimulates water reabsorption by kidneys
What is indicated by the arrow?
CN III
Which component of the visual pathway is pathology of the pituitary gland most likely to disrupt?
Optic chiasma
What is indicated by the arrow?
CN V2
Name the hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary
ADH and oxytocin
Name the basophils of the anterior pituitary
Corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, gonadotrophs
Why must any lateral, anterior, or posterior expansion of the pituitary gland involve bony destruction?
The pituitary is encased in a bony box
What is indicated by the arrow?
Diaphragma sella
Where is the cavernous sinus located?
Either side of the sella turcica
Which branch of the trigeminal nerve passes through the foramen ovale?
Mandibular (CN V3)
Name the acidophils of the anterior pituitary
Somatotrophs, mammotrophs
Name the veins which trasmit hypothalamic hormones to the 2nd capillary bed in the anterior pituitary
Hypophyseal portal veins
What is the function of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)?
Stimulates hormone release by adrenal cortex
What is the transcranial approach for pituitary surgery?
Brain exposed through the cranium, inferior to frontal lobe, to provide access to the pituitary