Pituitary Gland Histology

The pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that functions as “The Master Gland.” From its lofty position above the rest of the body it sends signals to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, directing them to produce thyroid hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and many more. These hormones have dramatic effects on metabolism, blood ...

Pituitary Gland Histology 1

A typical dictionary definition of “Pituitary gland” reads something like: The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, is a small ductless gland of the endocrine system that secretes hormones directly into the bloodstream. It is about the size of a pea and is located at the base of the brain in a small, bony cavity covered by a tough and inflexible membrane.

Pituitary Gland Histology 2

The hypophysis, or pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that functions as “The Master Gland.” From its lofty position above the rest of the body it sends signals to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, directing them to produce thyroid hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and many more. These hormones have dramatic effects on ...

Pituitary Gland Histology 3

What is a pituitary tumor/adenoma? Pituitary tumors are most commonly benign tumors associated with one of the body’s most prominent hormone-secreting structures—the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is located between your eyes and in the middle of the head at the base of skull.

Pituitary Gland Histology 4

Cushing’s syndrome is a debilitating endocrine disorder characterized by excessive cortisol levels in the blood which may be the result of a tumor of the pituitary gland, adrenal glands (located above the kidneys) or from tumors or cancer arising elsewhere in the body (ectopic ACTH producing tumors). Cushings disease refers specifically to excessive ACTH secretion by a pituitary tumor (also ...

Pituitary Gland Histology 5