Pituitary acidophils vs Pituitary basophils
How to tell Pituitary acidophils and Pituitary basophils apart when a board question makes them look alike.
Pituitary acidophils are somatotrophs/lactotrophs making GH and prolactin; basophils are corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs making ACTH, TSH, LH, and FSH.
Side by side
Pituitary acidophils include somatotrophs and lactotrophs producing growth hormone and prolactin.
Pituitary basophils include corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs producing ACTH, TSH, LH, and FSH.
Pituitary acidophils include somatotrophs and lactotrophs producing growth hormone and prolactin.
Pituitary basophils include corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs producing ACTH, TSH, LH, and FSH.
The repair move
Before naming the answer, force the stem through the separator: Pituitary acidophils are somatotrophs/lactotrophs making GH and prolactin; basophils are corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs making ACTH, TSH, LH, and FSH.
Try a free question
CoreA pituitary tumor histology shows cells that stain with acidic dyes (eosin), with abundant cytoplasmic secretory granules. The tumor is hypersecreting prolactin and causing galactorrhea and amenorrhea. Which cell type is this?
Show answer and explanation
Answer: A. Pituitary ACIDOPHIL. Pituitary acidophils stain with acidic dyes (eosin) and include lactotrophs (prolactin) and somatotrophs (growth hormone). Mnemonic: acidophils = 'GPA' (Growth hormone, Prolactin = Acidophils). Prolactinoma is the most common functional pituitary adenoma; presents with galactorrhea, amenorrhea, infertility, hypogonadism (prolactin suppresses GnRH).
Why the other choices are tempting
- B. Pituitary basophils stain with basic dyes and include corticotrophs (ACTH), thyrotrophs (TSH), gonadotrophs (FSH, LH).
- C. Chromophobe cells have minimal granules; previously thought to be non-functioning but many secrete hormones.
- D. Herring bodies are storage sites for ADH/oxytocin in posterior pituitary.
- E. Pars intermedia melanotrophs secrete MSH (rudimentary in adult humans).
Flashcards
Tap a card to flip it.
What clue supports Pituitary acidophils?
Choose Pituitary acidophils when the stem gives this pattern: Pituitary acidophils include somatotrophs and lactotrophs producing growth hormone and prolactin.
What clue supports Pituitary basophils?
Choose Pituitary basophils when the stem gives this contrasting pattern: Pituitary basophils include corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs producing ACTH, TSH, LH, and FSH.
Quick answers
What is the fastest way to tell Pituitary acidophils from Pituitary basophils?
Pituitary acidophils are somatotrophs/lactotrophs making GH and prolactin; basophils are corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs making ACTH, TSH, LH, and FSH.
What is the key clue for Pituitary acidophils?
Pituitary acidophils include somatotrophs and lactotrophs producing growth hormone and prolactin.
What is the key clue for Pituitary basophils?
Pituitary basophils include corticotrophs, thyrotrophs, and gonadotrophs producing ACTH, TSH, LH, and FSH.