Overview Overview The pituitary gland, or hypophysis, rests in the sella turcica, a depression of sphenoid bone primary function of the pituitary gland is secretion of hormones anatomically, pituitary is divided into (1) anterior pituitary and (2) posterior pituitary Anterior Pituitary: Anatomy Anterior Pituitary anterior pituitary, or adenohypophysis, is the glandular component of the pituitary a collection of endocrine cells derived from oral ectoderm (Rathke's pouch) responsible for synthesis and secretion of anterior pituitary hormones Anterior Pituitary: Hormones FLAT PiG FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) Prolactin Growth Hormone (Somatotropin) Categories of Hormones Corticolipotropins ACTH, MSH (Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone) Glycoprotein Hormones FSH, LH, TSH Somatomammotropins Prolactin, Growth Hormone Somatomammotropins Prolactin Growth Hormone Posterior Pituitary: Anatomy Posterior Pituitary posterior pituitary, or neurohypophysis, is the neural component of the pituitary collection of axonal projections from the hypothalamus derived from neuroectoderm utilizes neurophysins - carrier proteins that carry hormones in circulation Posterior Pituitary: Hormones Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH; Vasopressin) Oxytocin Clinical Conditions Pituitary adenoma / acromegaly Syndrome of inappropriate ADH Diabete insipidus Sheehan's syndrome