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Introduction
The Pituitary Gland (a.k.a Hypophysis) is an
endocrine gland which has also been known as the ‘maestro’
gland as it orchestrates the function of other glands in the
body
It is directly under the influence of the Hypothalamus
and is subservient to hormonal stimuli derived from
endocrine glands peripheral to it
• The Hypothalamus and Pituitary are intimately linked and
related to the limbic system
• Constitute a major effector mechanism through hormonal
release for output of the limbic system

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Historical Considerations
Derived from the Latin pituita, or phlegm as it was
believed by early Anatomist to be responsible for removal
of phlegm or mucous from the brain cavities

ANATOMY OF THE PITUITARY

Developmental Anatomy
The Adenohypophysis derives from an inward
invagination of the oral ectoderm of the stomadeum known
as Rathke’s pouch
The Neurohypophysis arises from the neural
ectoderm of the floor of the forebrain
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Anatomical Dimensions
The Pituitary gland weighs in at 0.5-1.0 grams and
is no larger than the tip of the little finger
Anatomical Location
The pituitary gland is recessed within the sella
turcica of the sphenoid bone, beneath the hypothalamus
near the optic chiasm

Anatomical Components of Hypophysis

Consists of two parts : Adenohypophysis and
Neurohypophysis

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Adenohypophysis (a.k.a.
glandular or epithelial
hypophysis)
Pars Distalis Ant.
Lobe
Pars Tuberalis
Pars Intermedia Intermed
Lobe
Posterior pituitary
(Neurohypophysis)
Pars Nervosa Post. Lobe
Infundibulum

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Anatomical Vasculature
Afferents
The Pituitary receives
its blood supply from the
superior and inferior
Hypophyseal arteries
Receives ‘hormonal
information’ from the CNS via
the Hypophyseal portal system

Efferents
Adenohypophys- Portal veins
Neurohypophys- Inf. Hypophys
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Histocytology of Pituitary Gland
The different cells that make up the Pituitary gland
can be categorized by their affinity to histochemical dyes

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NEURAL COMPONENTS
of the Pituitary Gland
Hypothalamohypophyseal
Pathways
1. Supraopticohypophyseal
tract
• Contains axons from the
Supraoptic nucleus and the
Paraventricular nucleus
• Helps in release of
Vasopressin and Oxytocin
into the venous drainage of
the Neurohypophysis

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Hypothalamohypophyseal
Pathways
2. Tubero-infundibular tract
Contains axons from the
Ventromedial nucleus
Infundibular nucleus (of the
Medial Hypothalmic nuclei)
as well as Basomedial
Hypothalmic nuclei
• Responsible for the
release of stimulating and
inhibiting anterior pituitary
hormones
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 Pituitary Hormones
Anterior Pituitary Hormones Posterior Pituitary Hormones
GH Oxytocin Vasopressin
ACTH
PRL
TSH

Gonadotropins
FSH
LH

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Hormones released from the Anterior Pituitary

1. Thyroid Stimulating Hormone

2. Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)
3. Growth Hormone (GH)
4. Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
5. Lutenizing Hormone (LH)
6. Beta-Lipotropic Hormone
7. Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

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Hormones of the Posterior Pituitary
1. Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) a.k.a Vasopressin
2. Oxytocin

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