An anterior pituitary basophil is a type of cell in the anterior pituitary which manufactures hormones.

Basophil cell
Microanatomy of the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary, showing chromophobes, basophils, and acidophils
Details
LocationAnterior pituitary
Identifiers
THH3.08.02.2.00023
Anatomical terms of microanatomy

It is called a basophil because it is basophilic (readily takes up bases), and typically stains a relatively deep blue or purple.[1]

These basophils are further classified by the hormones they produce. (It is usually not possible to distinguish between these cell types using standard staining techniques.)

Cell name Relative proportion Hormone produced Hypothalamic regulators
Corticotrophs 15% ACTH CRH
Gonadotrophs 10% FSH, LH and hCG* GnRH
Thyrotrophs 5% TSH TRH

*Produced only in pregnancy by the developing embryo.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Histology image:14002loa from Vaughan, Deborah (2002). A Learning System in Histology: CD-ROM and Guide. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195151732.
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