Pituitary basic science

Question 1

What attches the pituitary to the hypothalmus?

Answer 1

Infunidibulum

Question 2

Where is the pituitary gland?

Answer 2

Midline structure in the pituitary fossa of the sphenoid bone

Question 3

Where does the pituitary gland lie in relation to the optic chiasm?

Answer 3

Directly inferior

Question 4

What structures at at risk in pituitary surgery?

Answer 4

Optic chiasm 
CN III, IV, V, VI
Cavernous sinus 
Internal carotid artery 
Dura mater

Question 5

Signs of occulomotor nerve deficit

Answer 5

Eye down & out

Dilated pupil

Question 6

Which nerve gives motor supply to the muscles of mastication?

Answer 6

CN

Question 7

What is released from the anterior pituitary in response to CRH from the hypothalamus?

Answer 7

ACTH

Question 8

What is released from the anterior pituitary in response to TRH from the hypothalamus?

Answer 8

TSH

Question 9

What is released from the anterior pituitary in response to GnRH?

Answer 9

LH/FSH

Question 10

What is released from the anterior pituitary in response to GHRH from the hypothalamus?

Answer 10

GH

Question 11

What is released from the anterior pituitary in response to DA from the hypothalamus?

Answer 11

PRL

Question 12

Which hormones are stored in the posterior pituitary?

Answer 12

Vasopressin (ADH)

Oxytocin

Question 13

What is the consequence of compression of the cavernous sinus?

Answer 13

Venous haemorrhage

Question 14

Effects of a non-functioning pituitary adenoma

Answer 14

Compression of optic chiasm 
Compress other structures 
Hypoadrenalis, 
Hypothyroidism 
Hypogonadism 
Diabetes Insipidus 
GH deficiency