Embryology of the endocrine glands

Question 1

Which week does the pituitary start to develop and from which sources?

Answer 1

Week 6

Develops from 2 sources

• Ectoderm of oral cavity (just deep to stomodeium)
• Neuroectoderm

Question 2

What does the ectoderm of oral cavity form in week 6?

Answer 2

Invaginates to form Rathke’s pouch

Question 3

What does the neuroectoderm create in week 6?

Answer 3

Invaginates to create neurophyseal diverticulum, which becomes the infundibulum