Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

The Pituitary Gland

The Pituitary Gland

The pituitary is a small endocrine organ in the sphenoid bone under the hypothalamus. Primarily, the pituitary in adults has two distinct anatomical and functional regions— the anterior and posterior lobes. During human fetal development, a third pituitary gland region called the pars intermedia atrophies and disappears. However, some of its cells migrate and exist adjacent to the anterior pituitary in adults.

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

Hormones of the Pituitary Gland

The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...

Aging

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...

Nature and Nurture

Nature and Nurture

Many human characteristics, like height, are shaped by both nature—in other words, by our genes—and by nurture, or our environment. For example, chronic stress during childhood inhibits the production of growth hormones and consequently reduces bone growth and height. Scientists estimate that 70-90% of variation in height is due to genetic differences among individuals, and 10-30% of variation in height is due to differences in the environments that individuals experience, such as differences...

Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell

Multipotency and Niche of Bulge Stem Cell

A hair follicle or HF is a small part of the skin that produces the hair shaft. Paul Gerson Unna was the first to observe a bulge in the human hair follicle's outer root sheath (ORS). The bulge is present between the sebaceous gland and the arrector pili muscle and is the niche for hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs). The bulge is also a niche for melanocyte stem cells, and their loss results in graying of hair. The HFSCs express Sox9 and Lhx2, which help them maintain stemness and prevent...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Longitudinal impact of gender-affirming endocrine intervention on the mental health and well-being of transgender youths: preliminary results.

International journal of pediatric endocrinology·2020

Same author

Erratum: Selective integrin endocytosis is driven by interactions between the integrin α-chain and AP2.

Nature structural & molecular biology·2017

Same author

Mutations in pregnancy-associated plasma protein A2 cause short stature due to low IGF-I availability.

EMBO molecular medicine·2016

Same author

Selective integrin endocytosis is driven by interactions between the integrin α-chain and AP2.

Nature structural & molecular biology·2016

Same author

Crude Garlic Extract Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis of Cancer Cells In Vitro.

Journal of medicinal food·2015

Same author

Motion correction for MR cystography by an image processing approach.

IEEE transactions on bio-medical engineering·2013

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology

Published on: February 25, 2022

Does pituitary stalk function improve with age?

Vardhini Desikan¹, Clement Roque, Thomas A Wilson

¹Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, State University of New York at Stony Brook, Stony Brook, NY 11794-8111, USA.

Journal of Pediatric Endocrinology & Metabolism : JPEM

|December 8, 2009

Summary

Ectopic posterior pituitary hyperintensity, often linked to growth hormone deficiency, can improve over time. A case study shows normalized prolactin and improved GH secretion in adulthood, with MRI changes.

More Related Videos

Dissection and Coronal Slice Preparation of Developing Mouse Pituitary Gland

Dissection and Coronal Slice Preparation of Developing Mouse Pituitary Gland

Published on: November 16, 2017

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology

Development of Organoids from Mouse Pituitary as In Vitro Model to Explore Pituitary Stem Cell Biology

Published on: February 25, 2022

Dissection and Coronal Slice Preparation of Developing Mouse Pituitary Gland

Dissection and Coronal Slice Preparation of Developing Mouse Pituitary Gland

Published on: November 16, 2017

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Endoscopic Endonasal Trans-sphenoidal Approach: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Pituitary Adenomas

Published on: January 17, 2018

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Neuroimaging
Pediatric Endocrinology

Background:

Ectopic posterior pituitary hyperintensity on MRI is frequently observed in patients with growth hormone deficiency.
Pituitary stalk integrity is crucial for normal anterior pituitary function.
Long-term outcomes for pituitary function and MRI findings in patients with ectopic posterior pituitary and interrupted pituitary stalk remain poorly understood.

Observation:

This study presents a case of childhood growth hormone deficiency and hyperprolactinemia in a patient with an absent pituitary stalk.
The patient's condition was monitored from childhood into adulthood.

Findings:

In adulthood, the patient experienced normalization of prolactin levels.
Growth hormone (GH) secretion also improved in adulthood.
These functional improvements were accompanied by observable changes in pituitary MRI findings.

Implications:

This case suggests that pituitary function, including GH secretion and prolactin levels, can improve over time even in the presence of significant pituitary stalk abnormalities.
The study highlights the dynamic nature of pituitary function and MRI characteristics in certain congenital conditions.
Further research is warranted to understand the mechanisms behind these long-term changes and their clinical significance.