Pituitary gland

Question 1

Pituitary gland?

Answer 1

• The pituitary gland is located within the sella turcica within the sphenoid bone in the middle cranial fossa.
• It is covered by a dural fold and weighs around 0.5g.
• It is attached to the hypothalamus by the infundibulum.
• The anterior pituitary receives hormonal stimuli from the hypothalamus by way of the hypothalamo-pituitary portal system.
• It develops from a depression in the wall of the pharynx (Rathkes pouch).

Question 2

Hormones of the Anterior Pituitary?

Answer 2

• ACTH
• TSH
• FSH
• LH
• GH
• Prolactin
• GH and prolactin are secreted by acidophilic cells
• ACTH, TSH, FSH & LH are secreted by basophilic cells

Question 3

Hormones of the Posterior Pituitary?

Answer 3

• ADH
• Oxytocin

Both are made in the hypothalamus before being transported by the hypothalamo-hypophyseal portal system