Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where is the pituitary gland located?
Where is the pituitary gland located?
Approximately how large is a typical adult pituitary gland?
Approximately how large is a typical adult pituitary gland?
What structure connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus?
What structure connects the pituitary gland to the hypothalamus?
What can be stated about the development of the anterior and posterior pituitary?
What can be stated about the development of the anterior and posterior pituitary?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the size of the pituitary gland change during pregnancy?
How does the size of the pituitary gland change during pregnancy?
Signup and view all the answers
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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz provides a comprehensive overview of the pituitary gland, detailing its anatomy, growth during pregnancy, and the distinctions between the anterior and posterior parts. Explore the functions and origins of each part of this crucial endocrine gland.
