Pituitary Gland Histology

The pituitary gland lies within the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone
of the skull. The pituitary is separated from the optic chiasma by the
dura mater and the infundibulum attaches to the median eminence of the
hypothalamus through the diaphragma sella. The pituitary is made up of
the neurohypophysis and the adenohypophysis.

Neurohypophysis

Neurohypophysis is the pale portion of the pituitary gland. It contains
neuron cell bodies that synthesize hormones, oxytocin in the
supraoptic nucleus, antidiuretic hormone, and oxytocin, in the paraventricular
nucleus. These hormones are transported down the neuro-hypophyseal tract
to axon terminals stored in the pars nervosa.

Herring's Bodies

Herring's bodies are the distended neuron terminals, near blood vessels for hormone transport
when stimulated.

GFAP and Pituicytes

Pituicytes stain with GFAP and have a supporting
function like Astrocytes.

Adenohypophysis

Adenohypophysis is an outgrowth of the endoderm. Adenohypophysis
consists of the pars tuberalis and pars distalis and intermedia. Contains
chromophobe cells, pale cells, which are resting or degranulated
chromophils.

Chromophils

Chromophils are secretory cells of the adnohypophysis and stain
brightly.

Acidophils

Acidophils (pink cells) produce prolactin and growth hormone.

Basophils

While basophils (blue cells) produce TSH, FSH, LH and ACTH. Secreted
hormones have a trophic effect on other endocrine organs. Activity of these
cells depends on negative feedback and hypthalamus stimulation.