The pituitary gland or hypophysis controls many aspects of human physiology. It is located at the base of the brain in SELLA TURCICA, a small cavity of sphenoid bone. It has two lobes – Anterior and Posterior.
Intermediate lobe is present in many species, but in human beings, it is rudimentary.
Anterior lobe is also called – ADENOHYPOPHYSIS
Posterior lobe is also called – NEUROHYPOPHYSIS
BLOOD SUPPLY
Blood supply to pituitary is achieved by means of superior and inferior hypophyseal arteries.
Hormones of Anterior Pituitary and regulation of their secretion
Secretion of anterior pituitary is controlled by hypothalamic hormones. Anterior pituitary hormones control secretion of major endocrine glands of the body except pancreas.
Hormone-secreting cells of the Anterior pituitary gland
The cell types of anterior pituitary are divided into two broad categories:
- chromophobes
- chromophils
The chromophobic cells are usually less active and there fore, have few secretory granules.
“You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” — Mae West
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