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9th February 2024
Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland lies directly beneath the hypothalamus within the sella turcica and is connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk. The pituitary gland is divided anatomically (from its embryological origin) and functionally into:
| Anterior Pituitary “adenohypophysis” |
Posterior pituitary “neurohypophysis” |
| Hypothalamic hormones either stimulate or inhibit anterior pituitary hormones. | Hormones are synthesised in the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei of the hypothalamus. |
| Vascular connection via the long portal vein | Transported via the neural connection between the hypothalamus and posterior pituitary |
| Hormones secreted:
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) Luteinising hormone (LH) Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Growth hormone (GH) Prolactin (PRL) |
Hormones secreted:
Oxytocin Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) |
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