Rathke's pouch is a depression in the roof of the embryonic mouth in front of the buccopharyngeal membrane. The anterior lobe of the pituitary arises from this stricture. Rathke's pouch eventually loses its connection with the pharynx. Located at the base of the skull, the pituitary gland is protected by a bony structure called the sella turcica. ... The pharynx is the part of the digestive system of many animals immediately behind the mouth and in front of the esophagus. ...