OBSERVATIONS ON THE HUMAN PHARYNGEAL HYPOPHYSIS

Abstract

SUMMARY A derivative of the pharyngeal extremity of Rathke's pouch, with structural features closely resembling those of the adenohypophysis, was found in fifty-three human embryos and foetuses. This pharyngeal hypophysis grows during prenatal life and usually possesses a rich vascularization. In silver impregnated material nerve fibres derived from branches of the spheno-palatine ganglion could be followed into the pharyngeal hypophysis. The recorded findings and a survey of the literature suggest that the pharyngeal hypophysis is constantly present in man, and that its cells can differentiate, as do those of the adenohypophysis.