VARIATION IN SIZE AND SHAPE OF A NORMAL ADULT FEMALE PITUITARY GLAND: A RADIOLOGICAL STUDY

The pituitary gland produces several hormones that regulate growth, metabolism and reproduction. Deviations from the normal functions of the gland certainly derange the harmony of life. Normal pituitary gland shows variation in size and shape. There is a recognized need for more normative data on female pituitary size in the Indian population hence the study was done using magnetic resonance instrument regarded as modern tool with less error. It was noted that the gland was more convex/globular in the younger age group but as advanced the superior surface became more concave. The mean height of pituitary gland was 6.27 mm ± 0.56, mean length was 9.10 mm ± 0.78and the mean width was 11.22 mm ±0.82. The size of pituitary gland also changed with age. The height decreased significantly as age advanced. The width initially increased up to 40 years and later decreased. The results of the study can be applied to clinical practices particularly when clinical