craniopharyngeal duct

cra·ni·o·pha·ryn·ge·al duct

the slender tubular part of the adenohypophysial diverticulum.

Synonym(s): bucconeural duct, hypophysial duct

cra·ni·o·pha·ryn·ge·al duct

(krānē-ō-fă-rinjē-ăl dŭkt)

Slender tubular part of the pituitary diverticulum.

craniopharyngeal

pertaining to the cranium and pharynx.

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craniopharyngeal duct

the primordial outgrowth from the roof of the pharynx from which the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland is formed; a vestigial structure in most species; see also rathke's pouch.

craniopharyngeal duct cyst

cysts from remnants of the distal craniopharyngeal duct are found close to the pituitary gland. Pressure on the gland and inflammation and subsequent fibrosis of it can cause a syndrome of adenohypophyseal hypofunction. There may be blindness, obesity and diabetes insipidus. Brachyocephalic breeds of dogs are predisposed.