Pituitary gland

Pars distalis of the adenohypophysis of a pigeon (HE): cords and follicles

The secretory cells in the pars distalis of the adenohypophysis are arranged in either cords or follicles, surrounded by a plexus of blood capillaries in a network of reticular connective tissue.

The blood capillaries form a secondary capillary network that is derived from the primary capillary network of the median eminence through the portal vessels that run within the portal zone of the pars tuberalis.