Pituitary gland

interpeduncular cistern, containing the mamillary bodies and in the base of which lies the posterior perforated substance, can be identified. The thalami can be seen on axial images on each side of the third ventricle (see Fig. 2. 3c). Their relationship to the posterior limb of the internal capsule and to the lentiform nucleus can be appreciated on this slice.

Ultrasound examination of the neonatal brain (Fig. 2. 8) On midline sagittal views the interthalamic adhesion can be seen within the third ventricle, especially when this is dilated. In the parasagittal plane the thalamus can be seen in the floor of the lateral ventricle posterior to the head of the caudate nucleus. PITUITARY GLAND (Fig. 2. 11) The pituitary gland (hypophysis cerebri) lies in the pituitary fossa and measures 12 mm in its transverse diameter, 8 mm in its anteroposterior diameter and 9 mm high.

The pituitary gland has a hollow stalk, the infundibulum, which arises from the tuber cinereum in the floor of the third ventricle. This stalk is composed of nerve fibres whose cell bodies are in the hypothalamus. It is directed anteroinferiorly and surrounded by an upward extension of the anterior lobe, the tuberal part.

The anterior lobe is five times larger than the posterior lobe. It is developed from Rathke's pouch in the roof of the primitive mouth. (A tumour form remnants of the epithelium of this pouch is called a craniopharyngioma. ) The anterior lobe produces hormones in response to release factors carried from the hypothalamus by hypophyseal portal veins.

The posterior lobe is made up of nerve fibres whose cell bodies lie in the hypothalamus and release hormones in response to impulses from these nerves.

The anterior lobe is adherent to the posterior lobe by a narrow zone called the pars intermedia. This is, in fact, developmentally and functionally part of the anterior lobe.

The relations of the pituitary gland are as follows: • Above: the diaphragma sella (dura mater) and above this the suprasellar cistern w i th the optic chiasma anteriorly (8 mm above dura) and the circle of Willis; • Below: the body of sphenoid and the sphenoid sinus; and • Laterally: the dura and the cavernous sinus and its contents, the internal carotid artery and abducens, nerve w i th oculomotor, ophthalmic and trochlear nerves in its walls.

The cavernous sinuses are united by intercavernous sinuses, which surround the pituitary gland anteriorly, posteriorly and inferiorly.