Chapter 11, Problem 18CA

Summary Introduction

To describe: The anatomical differences between the anterior and posterior lobes of the pituitary gland.

Introduction: The pituitary gland is a pea-sized endocrine gland that is enclosed by the protective structure called sella turcica. It is sited at the base of the brain where infundibulum, a pituitary stalk attaches itself to the hypothalamus. It consists of three lobes namely anterior lobe, posterior lobe, and intermediate lobe. The anterior lobe originates from an invagination of the oral ectoderm, whereas the posterior lobe arises from the neuroectoderm.