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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.

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased Intracranial Pressure ll: Pathophysiology

Increased intracranial pressure (ICP) refers to a potentially life-threatening rise in pressure inside the skull. This usually happens when there is a major change in the volume of brain tissue, blood, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) — the three components inside the skull. According to the Monro-Kellie doctrine, if the volume of one component increases, the volumes of the other components must decrease to maintain normal pressure. If this does not happen, ICP rises.The process often begins with...

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Cerebral Edema ll: Pathophysiology

Vasogenic edema is a major form of cerebral edema characterized by abnormal accumulation of fluid in the brain’s extracellular space due to disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is a specialized structure composed of endothelial cells connected by tight junctions, supported by astrocytic endfeet and a basement membrane. Under normal conditions, it tightly regulates the movement of ions, proteins, and solutes between the bloodstream and brain parenchyma. When this barrier loses...

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Increased Intracranial Pressure l: Introduction

Intracranial hypertension is a sustained elevation of intracranial pressure (ICP) above 22 mm Hg. In supine adults, normal ICP is ~7–15 mm Hg.The rigid, nonexpandable cranium contains three components—brain tissue, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—that total ~1,700 mL in a typical adult: 1,400 mL brain (~80%), 150 mL blood (~10%), and 150 mL CSF (~10%). According to the Monro–Kellie doctrine, total intracranial volume is effectively fixed. When one component expands, CSF and venous blood...

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...

Hepatic Encephalopathy

Hepatic Encephalopathy

DefinitionHepatic encephalopathy is a reversible neurologic syndrome that results from advanced liver dysfunction or portosystemic shunting. It leads to disturbances in cognition, behavior, and motor function due to the brain’s exposure to gut-derived toxins that the liver fails to detoxify.EtiologyThis condition develops either in the setting of acute fulminant hepatitis or progressively during chronic liver disease, such as cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Portosystemic shunting—including...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2026

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

[Pituitary apoplexy. A review].

R Serramito-García¹, A García-Allut, A N Arcos-Algaba

¹Sección de Cirugía Hipofisaria del Servicio de Neurocirugía, Hospital Clínico Universitario, Santiago de Compostela.

Neurocirugia (Asturias, Spain)

|March 9, 2011

Summary

Pituitary apoplexy, a condition involving pituitary tumor infarction or hemorrhage, requires urgent diagnosis via MRI and prompt surgical decompression. Treatment also includes steroid replacement therapy for affected patients.

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

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Published on: January 17, 2018

Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis in SJL Mice

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Area of Science:

Neuroendocrinology
Neurosurgery
Radiology

Context:

Pituitary apoplexy is a rare but serious condition affecting the pituitary gland.
It typically occurs secondary to a pituitary adenoma.
Characterized by sudden onset of severe headache, visual impairment, and neurological deficits.

Purpose:

To outline the clinical presentation, diagnostic modalities, and management strategies for pituitary apoplexy.
To emphasize the importance of timely intervention in improving patient outcomes.

Summary:

Pituitary apoplexy involves ischemic infarction or hemorrhage within a pituitary tumor.
Clinical manifestations include sudden headache, meningismus, visual disturbances, and altered consciousness.
Cerebral MRI is essential for diagnosis.
Treatment involves urgent sellar decompression via transsphenoidal surgery and steroid replacement therapy.

Impact:

Highlights the critical role of neuroimaging in diagnosing this emergency condition.
Underscores the necessity of prompt surgical intervention and hormonal support to mitigate severe morbidity and mortality.
Informs clinical practice regarding the acute management of pituitary apoplexy.