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Inferior hypophyseal artery anatomy

The Inferior Hypophyseal Artery is a small but clinically significant branch of the internal carotid artery that plays a vital role in supplying blood to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis). This artery is crucial in maintaining the vascular supply necessary for the proper functioning of the neurohypophysis, particularly in the transport and release of hormones such as vasopressin and oxytocin. Its identification is important in pituitary surgery and neuroimaging to prevent inadvertent vascular injury.

Synonyms

  • Inferior pituitary artery

  • Inferior hypophysial artery

Origin

  • Arises from the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA)

  • Typically originates medially from the ICA within the cavernous sinus, near the sellar region

Course

  • Courses medially from the internal carotid artery

  • Passes through the cavernous sinus

  • Approaches the pituitary gland from its inferior aspect

  • Supplies the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis) of the pituitary gland

  • May form an anastomotic network with contralateral inferior hypophyseal artery and small branches of the superior hypophyseal artery

Function

  • Provides arterial blood supply specifically to the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis) of the pituitary gland

  • Supports the release of neurohypophyseal hormones (oxytocin and vasopressin) into the systemic circulation

MRI Appearance

  • The artery itself is usually not directly visualized on standard MRI sequences due to its small caliber

  • May be indirectly inferred by the normal enhancement pattern of the neurohypophysis after gadolinium contrast administration

  • High-resolution MR angiography (MRA) or Or AI enhanced 3T SFOV images may occasionally demonstrate small flow voids or enhance the vessel, especially if enlarged (e.g., in pathological states or after surgical manipulation)

CT Appearance

  • The artery is generally not visible on routine non-contrast or contrast-enhanced CT scans due to its small size

  • May be seen as a tiny enhancing vessel adjacent to the pituitary gland on thin-section, high-resolution, contrast-enhanced CT angiography

  • More commonly, its presence is inferred rather than directly seen, unless specifically targeted in angiographic studies

MRI images

Inferior hypophyseal artery MRI 3T AXIAL IMAGE 1

MRI images

Inferior hypophyseal artery MRI 3T axial image

MRI images

Inferior hypophyseal artery MRI axial 3t image