The Neuroanatomy of Reproduction: Seeing Is Believing

Abstract

The brain is the central controller of reproduction and the menstrual cycle. Reproductive endocrinologists spend their days treating patients with perturbations in reproduction as a result of pituitary diseases and manipulate pituitary hormones to enhance fertility and quality of life. Microscopic neuroanatomical images will allow a better understanding of how a tumor in the pituitary might affect vision, or a mass in the brain might cause amenorrhea. Clinical correlations that are taught every day become much clearer once the anatomical relationships are explored. The objective of this pictorial tour is to elucidate anatomical and clinical relationships while showcasing the neuroanatomy of reproduction.