Pituitary Gland (incomplete)

Pituitary Gland (incomplete)

1. Also known as hypophysis

   • Attached to hypothalamus and infundibulum
     • Secretions are important in growth, maturation and reproduction

2. Anterior Lobe

   • "Master"
     • controls functions of numerous other glands
   • Consists of 5 main endocrine cell types
     • Gonadotroph
       • basophilic cell specialised to secrete FSH or LH
     • Lactotroph
       • Acidophilic cell that secretes prolactin
     • Somatotroph
       • Any cell of the adenohypophysis that secrete growth hormone
     • Corticotroph
       • secretes ACTH and MSH
     • Thyrotroph
       • Basophil (beta) cell, granules secrete thyrotropin (TSH)
   • Secretes 6 main peptide/protein hormones
     • FSH
     • LH
     • GH
     • TSH
     • ACTH
     • PRL
       • prolactin
     • Secretion regulated by hypothalamus
       • Transported via hypothalamo-pituitary portal vessels - there is NO NEURAL connection
   • Blood supplied indirectly from rostral hypophyseal arteries, internal carotid. Drains into cavernous sinus

3. Posterior lobe

   • Blood supply from small branches of internal carotid artery