Ofpituitary

Ofpituitary is not a standard medical term. This article uses the pituitary gland as the focus and notes that “ofpituitary” may represent an unusual or mistaken form of the word pituitary.

The pituitary gland is a small endocrine gland at the base of the brain, housed in the sellar region beneath the hypothalamus. It is connected to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk (infundibulum) and interacts with the brain to regulate multiple hormonal systems. The gland has two main parts with distinct origins and functions: the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis). A vestigial intermediate lobe is present in some species but is minimal in humans.

The anterior pituitary secretes several hormones, many of which are controlled by hypothalamic releasing or inhibiting hormones delivered via the hypothalamic-pituitary portal system. Key hormones include growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), prolactin (PRL), and the gonadotropins luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). These hormones influence growth, metabolism, stress response, lactation, and reproductive function.

The posterior pituitary stores and releases vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH) and oxytocin, which are produced by hypothalamic neurons and transported to the posterior lobe for release.

Developmentally, the anterior pituitary originates from Rathke’s pouch (oral ectoderm), while the posterior pituitary arises from neural tissue. Clinically, the pituitary is central to endocrine regulation; disorders include pituitary adenomas (often causing excess hormone production or mass effects), hypopituitarism, and diabetes insipidus. Diagnosis typically involves hormonal assays and MRI imaging; treatment may involve surgery, radiation, and medications targeting specific hormonal pathways.