Pituitary Gland Overview

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Questions and Answers

Where is the pituitary gland located?

In a depression of the sphenoid bone called the sella turcica (correct)
Encapsulated within the ethmoid bone
Attached to the temporal bone by a thin stalk
Within the frontal bone of the skull

Approximately how large is a typical adult pituitary gland?

20 mm from left to right and 15 mm from anterior to posterior
12 mm from left to right and 8 mm from anterior to posterior (correct)
10 mm from left to right and 6 mm from anterior to posterior
15 mm from left to right and 10 mm from anterior to posterior

What structure connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus?

The optic chiasm
The infundibulum (correct)
The corpus callosum
The sella turcica

What can be stated about the development of the anterior and posterior pituitary?

<p>The anterior pituitary develops from an upward growth of the embryonic pharynx, while the posterior pituitary develops from a downward bud of the brain. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the size of the pituitary gland change during pregnancy?

<p>It grows approximately 50% larger. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is the pituitary gland?

A small gland the size of a kidney bean, located at the base of the brain.

How is the pituitary gland connected to the brain?

The pituitary gland is suspended from the hypothalamus by a stalk, connecting the brain to the gland.

Where is the pituitary gland found within the skull?

The pituitary gland is housed in a depression of the sphenoid bone, a structure that makes part of the skull.

What are the two main parts of the pituitary gland?

The pituitary gland is composed of two parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary, each with separate origins and functions.

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How do the two pituitary parts develop during embryological development?

The anterior pituitary develops from a pouch growing upward from the pharynx, while the posterior pituitary develops from a bud growing downward from the brain.

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Study Notes

Pituitary Gland (Hypophysis)

The pituitary gland is suspended from the hypothalamus by a stalk (infundibulum).
It is housed within a depression of the sphenoid bone, the sella turcica.
Adult pituitary size is approximately 12 mm wide and 8 mm from anterior to posterior, similar to a kidney bean.
It grows about 50% larger during pregnancy.
It's composed of two parts: anterior and posterior pituitary.
These parts have separate origins and functions.
The anterior pituitary develops from an embryonic pharyngeal pouch, growing upward.
The posterior pituitary develops from a bud, growing downward from the brain (fig. 17.3).
The two parts lie side by side, closely joined, appearing as a single gland.