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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.

Cushing Syndrome I: Introduction

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...

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...

Cushing Syndrome II: Pathophysiology

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...

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal Gland Disorders

Adrenal gland disorders manifest when the production of adrenal hormones deviates from the norm, resulting in either excessive or insufficient concentrations.
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...

Appendicitis

Appendicitis

Appendicitis is an acute inflammatory condition of the vermiform appendix, most commonly caused by obstruction of its lumen. The appendix is a narrow, blind-ended pouch that extends from the cecum, making it particularly prone to obstruction. Causes include fecaliths, lymphoid hyperplasia (often after viral infections), parasites, tumors, or foreign bodies. This obstruction initiates a cascade of pathological changes.Luminal Obstruction and Early InflammationAfter obstruction, normal mucosal...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 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

Incidental pituitary adenomas.

Walavan Sivakumar¹, Roukoz Chamoun, Vinh Nguyen

¹Department of Neurosurgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132, USA.

Neurosurgical Focus

|December 3, 2011

Summary

Pituitary incidentalomas are common, with low progression rates for apoplexy or vision loss. Most cases can be managed conservatively, but surgery is indicated for optic nerve issues or dysfunction.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Neurosurgery
Radiology

Background:

Pituitary incidentalomas are frequently discovered lesions with incompletely understood natural progression.
Optimal evaluation and management strategies for these lesions remain an active area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current evidence on the prevalence, natural history, evaluation, and management of pituitary incidentalomas.
To provide clarity on the clinical approach to these common findings.

Main Methods:

Comprehensive literature search of PubMed and relevant reference lists.
Inclusion of studies on incidental pituitary/sellar lesions, nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, and incidentalomas.
Focus on incidence, natural history, workup, treatment, and follow-up.

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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

Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Published on: April 2, 2018

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Last Updated: May 27, 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

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

Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Two-dimensional Gel Electrophoresis Coupled with Mass Spectrometry Methods for an Analysis of Human Pituitary Adenoma Tissue Proteome

Published on: April 2, 2018

Main Results:

Increasing prevalence of pituitary incidentalomas reported in recent years.
Initial evaluation includes history, physical, endocrinological assessment, and visual field testing if optic apparatus is involved.
Natural history data suggest low rates of pituitary apoplexy (0.6/100 patient-years), visual deficits (0.6/100 patient-years), and endocrine dysfunction (0.8/100 patient-years), with higher apoplexy risk in larger lesions.

Conclusions:

Conservative management is appropriate for most pituitary incidentalomas.
Indications for surgical intervention include optic apparatus involvement, endocrine dysfunction, ophthalmological symptoms, and significant size increase.