ANTERIOR PITUITARY

The anterior pituitary is a collection of hormone secreting cells, which migrate from the embryonic roof of the mouth to take up a position in contact with the posterior pituitary and in close approximation to the hypothalamus. A short venous portal system carries hormones secreted in hypothalamic nuclei to the anterior pituitary. The hypothalamic hormones regulate the production of anterior pituitary hormones. Among the hormones secreted by the anterior pituitary into local capillaries and thence to the general circulatory system are: adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH, growth hormone, gonadal hormones (luteinizing hormone LH and follicle stimulating hormone FSH), thyroid stimulating hormone TSH, and prolactin.