| Endocrine Index | Glossary |
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Anatomy and Histology of the Pituitary Gland |
The pituitary gland or hypophysis is derived from two embryologically-distinct tissues. As such, it is composed of both neural and glandular tissue. Both tissues produce hormones that affect a large number of physiological processes. Prior to embarking on the lessons below, it would be best to review the core section Functional Anatomy of the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland. |
| Summary of Lesson | Link |
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| Close examination of a sectioned pituitary gland reveals two closely apposed, but distinctive tissues called the adenohypophysis (anterior or glandular pituitary) and neurohypophysis (posterior or neural pituitary). The adenohypophysis is further classified into several regions. The adenohypophysis and neurohypophysis have seperate embryological origins. |  |
| Microscopic examination of the conventionally-stained adenohypophysis reveals three distinctive cell types called acidophils, basophils and chromophobes. This pattern of staining reflects the chemical character of intracellular hormone-laden granules within the pituitary cells. | |
| The neurohypophysis is an extension of the hypothalamus. It composed of bundles of axons from hypothalamic neurosecretory neurons intermixed with glial cells. | |
| Index of: The Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland | |||
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Introduction and Index | Development and Anatomy of the Pituitary Gland |  |
Last updated on March 20, 2003 |
| Author: R. Bowen |
| Send comments via form or email to rbowen@colostate.edu |