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anterior pituitary lobe
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Labeled diagram of a mammalian pituitary gland showing key structures, including the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, neurosecretory cells, blood vessels, and pathways for hormone release and blood flow.
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anterior pituitary lobe

anatomy
Also known as: adenohypophysis, anterior lobe
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Labeled diagram of a mammalian pituitary gland showing key structures, including the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, neurosecretory cells, blood vessels, and pathways for hormone release and blood flow.
pituitary gland anatomy The anatomy of the mammalian pituitary gland, showing the anterior lobe (adenohypophysis), the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis), the paraventricular and supraoptic nuclei, and other major structures.

The anterior pituitary lobe, also known as the prehypophysis, is a distinct part of the pituitary gland located at the base of the skull, beneath the hypothalamus. This lobe is embryologically derived from an outpouching of the pharynx.12

It contains at least five types of hormone-secreting cells:
* Thyrotrophs: Produce thyrotropin (TSH) to stimulate the thyroid gland.
* Gonadotrophs: Produce luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which regulate reproductive functions.
* Corticotrophs: Produce adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to stimulate the adrenal cortex.
* Somatotrophs: Produce growth hormone (GH) for growth and tissue maintenance.
* Lactotrophs: Produce prolactin to stimulate milk production.1

These hormones are proteins that play crucial roles in regulating other endocrine glands and major body tissues. The hypothalamus controls the anterior pituitary's hormone secretion through releasing and inhibiting hormones.13

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3 Britannica Sources
  1. pituitary gland
  2. hypothalamus
  3. prehypophysis

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