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Related Concept Videos

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis01:37

Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
The Pituitary Gland01:17

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 Gland01:27

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...
The Pineal Gland01:02

The Pineal Gland

The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction01:26

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

Cushing syndrome refers to the collection of clinical manifestations that arise when tissues are exposed to excessive amounts of cortisol or cortisol-like medications over an extended period. Cortisol, a glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal cortex, regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the body’s adaptation to stress. When its concentration remains chronically elevated, these physiological pathways become dysregulated, resulting in the characteristic features of the syndrome.Exogenous...
Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology01:19

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

Cortisol production is normally governed by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis, which maintains hormonal balance through tightly regulated feedback mechanisms. Disruption of this regulatory system is central to the development of Cushing syndrome, whether the excess cortisol originates from external medications or internal pathology. Persistent cortisol elevation alters metabolism, immune function, and endocrine signaling, producing the characteristic clinical features of the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 12, 2026

Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis in SJL Mice
10:38

Induction of Experimental Autoimmune Hypophysitis in SJL Mice

Published on: December 18, 2010

The pituitary "incidentaloma".

M E Molitch1, E J Russell

  • 1Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, Illinois.

Annals of Internal Medicine
|June 15, 1990
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Incidental sellar masses, most commonly pituitary adenomas, require careful evaluation. Asymptomatic microadenomas can be monitored conservatively, while macroadenomas warrant closer follow-up or surgical intervention.

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

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Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Radiology
  • Neurosurgery

Background:

  • Sellar masses are often discovered incidentally during radiologic imaging.
  • Pituitary adenomas are the most frequent type of incidental sellar mass.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review evidence on incidentally found sellar masses.
  • To discuss differential diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment recommendations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature search of English-language articles, textbooks, and review articles.
  • Selection based on autopsy prevalence, radiologic/endocrinologic evaluation, and prognostic data.
  • Evaluation of 12 autopsy studies, 6 radiologic studies, and 26 endocrine-focused articles.

Main Results:

  • Pituitary adenomas are the most common incidental sellar masses.
  • Radiologic techniques are crucial for differentiating pituitary adenomas.
  • Microadenomas ( <10 mm) may occur in 10-20% of the population; macroadenomas (>10 mm) are rare.
  • Hormone hypersecretion can aid in diagnosis, even if asymptomatic.

Conclusions:

  • Therapy for hypersecreting adenomas depends on tumor type.
  • Asymptomatic microadenomas without hormone hypersecretion can be managed conservatively with serial imaging.
  • Macroadenomas require surgical removal or close monitoring with serial imaging at 6-12 month intervals.