| Basophil cell | |
|---|---|
 Microanatomy of the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary, showing chromophobes, basophils, and acidophils | |
| Details | |
| Location | Anterior pituitary |
| Identifiers | |
| TH | H3.08.02.2.00023 |
| Anatomical terms of microanatomy | |
An anterior pituitary basophil is a type of cell in the anterior pituitary which manufactures hormones.
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.
- ^ Histology image:14002loa from Vaughan, Deborah (2002). A Learning System in Histology: CD-ROM and Guide. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0195151732.