Anatomy of the Pituitary Gland

Question 1

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

Answer 1

the pituitary gland secretes hormones that control the actions of other endocrine organs and various tissues around the body.

Question 2

Describe the anatomical position of the pituitary gland.

Answer 2

the pituitary gland is a pea-sized oval structure which is suspended in the underside of the brain by the infundibulum (pituitary stalk)- it sits in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone within a small depression called the pituitary fossa.

Question 3

Describe the divisions of the pituitary gland.

Answer 3

the pituitary gland is anatomically and functionally divided into the anterior and posterior lobes.

Question 4

What does the anterior pituitary gland consist of and where is it embryologically formed?

Answer 4

the anterior pituitary gland consists of the pars distalis, the pars tubercles and the pars intermedia.
-the anterior pituitary gland is embryologically formed from the upgrowth of rathke’s pouch in the ectoderm.

Question 5

what does the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland consist of and where is it embryologically formed?

Answer 5

the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland consists of the pars nervosa
-the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland embryologically begins as an out pouching of the third ventricular floor.

Question 6

Describe the process of hormone secretion by the anterior pituitary gland.

Answer 6

1. the hypothalamic neurones will either release hormones (which stimulate the anterior pituitary to release hormones) or inhibitory hormones (which prevents the anterior pituitary from releasing hormones)
2. they hypophyseal portal veins will transport hypothalamic hormones to the 2nd capillary bed in the anterior pituitary
3. there will be an increase or decrease in the level of hormone production by the anterior pituitary
4. these hormones will then enter into the hypophyseal portal veins and then travel via the superior vena cava to enter th entire circulatory system

Question 7

What nerve can pituitary gland tutors compress?

Answer 7

pituitary gland tutors can compress the optic chiasma disrupting the optic nerve signals which can lead to bitemporal hemianopia