Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis) (Glandula pituitaria)
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Anatomy
The pituitary gland (hypophysis) is the master endocrine gland of the human body, situated within the hypophyseal fossa of the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. Suspended from the hypothalamus by the infundibular stalk, it comprises the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis, synthesizing ACTH, TSH, GH, LH, FSH, and prolactin) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis, storing ADH and oxytocin).
Clinical notes
Pituitary macroadenomas expand superiorly out of the sella turcica, compressing the overlying optic chiasm to produce classic bitemporal hemianopsia; transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is the primary surgical approach.
Related structures
Educational references
FAQ
What is the role of the Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis)?
The pituitary gland (hypophysis) is the master endocrine gland of the human body, situated within the hypophyseal fossa of the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. Suspended from the hypothalamus by the infundibular stalk, it comprises the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis, synthesizing ACTH, TSH, GH, LH, FSH, and prolactin) and the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis, storing ADH and oxytocin).
Why is the Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis) clinically important?
Pituitary macroadenomas expand superiorly out of the sella turcica, compressing the overlying optic chiasm to produce classic bitemporal hemianopsia; transsphenoidal hypophysectomy is the primary surgical approach.
Source & license
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