The pituitary gland is also referred to as the hypophysis, which comes from Greek origin, meaning lying under, attesting to its position under the hypothalamus.
The pituitary gland is comprised of two distinct lobes in humans. The anterior portion of the pituitary is referred to as the adenohypophysis. The adenohypophysis is derived from the ectoderm in the development of the embryo, from the same tissues of origin that form the hard palate.
Five different types of endocrine cells are found within the anterior pituitary. They are the somatotrophs, mammotrophs (or lactotrophs), thyrotrophs, gonadotrophs, and corticotrophs.
The distinct functions of these five types of endocrine cells of the adenohypophysis will be explored in greater detail.
