Anatomy and Development of Pituitary Gland

Flashcards covering the anatomy, development, and congenital anomalies of the pituitary gland, including its parts, relations, blood supply, and developmental origins.

Pituitary Gland

An endocrine gland that works to maintain cellular homeostasis in the body by releasing different hormones; also called the master gland as it regulates the other endocrine glands; regulated by the secretions of the hypothalamus and attached to the hypothalamus of the forebrain by the infundibulum.

Infundibulum

A stalk that attaches the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus of the forebrain.

Sella Turcica

A depression where the pituitary gland is present posterior and superior to the sphenoidal sinus.

Adenohypophysis

The anterior lobe of the pituitary gland, composed of the pars tuberalis, pars intermedia, and pars distalis.

Pars Distalis

Part of the adenohypophysis, located in front of the cleft.

Pars Intermedia

Part of the adenohypophysis, located at the back of the cleft.

Pars Tuberalis

Part of the adenohypophysis, located upwards in front of the infundibulum.

Neurohypophysis

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, small and lies at the back of the anterior lobe, connected with the hypothalamus by the infundibulum, and its lower end is called the pars nervosa.

Diaphragma Sellae

Superior relation of the pituitary gland separating it from the optic chiasma.

Superior Hypophyseal Artery

Branches from the internal carotid artery and supplies the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

Inferior Hypophyseal Artery

Branches from the internal carotid artery and supplies the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

Rathke's Pouch

Ectodermal source from which the adenohypophysis develops.

Pharyngeal Pituitary Gland

A congenital anomaly of the pituitary gland due to the persistence of a remnant of the stalk of Rathke's pouch, resulting in accessory masses of the anterior lobe in the roof of the oropharynx.

Aplasia & Hypoplasia of Pituitary Gland

A congenital anomaly of the pituitary gland due to failure or incomplete development of the anterior wall of Rathke's pouch, leading to hypofunction of the pituitary gland.