POSTERIOR PITUITARY Meaning and
Definition
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The posterior pituitary is a gland found at the base of the brain that is integral to the endocrine system. It is an extension of the nervous tissue of the hypothalamus and is responsible for storing and releasing hormones produced by the hypothalamus. The posterior pituitary, also known as the neurohypophysis, plays a crucial role in the control and regulation of various bodily functions.
The primary hormones produced and released by the posterior pituitary are oxytocin and vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Oxytocin is involved in reproductive processes such as childbirth and lactation, as well as social bonding. Vasopressin, on the other hand, plays a role in the regulation of water balance and blood pressure.
The secretion of these hormones is controlled by the hypothalamus, which produces them and transports them through nerve fibers to the posterior pituitary for storage until they are needed. Upon stimulation from the hypothalamus, the posterior pituitary releases these hormones directly into the bloodstream, allowing them to circulate throughout the body and exert their effects on target tissues and organs.
Overall, the posterior pituitary serves as a vital connection between the nervous and endocrine systems, facilitating the release of hormones involved in a wide range of physiological processes critical for maintaining homeostasis within the body.
Common Misspellings for POSTERIOR PITUITARY
- oosterior pituitary
- losterior pituitary
- -osterior pituitary
- 0osterior pituitary
- pisterior pituitary
- pksterior pituitary
- plsterior pituitary
- ppsterior pituitary
- p0sterior pituitary
- p9sterior pituitary
- poaterior pituitary
- pozterior pituitary
- poxterior pituitary
- podterior pituitary
- poeterior pituitary
- powterior pituitary
- posrerior pituitary
- posferior pituitary
- posgerior pituitary
Etymology of POSTERIOR PITUITARY
The word "posterior" in "posterior pituitary" comes from the Latin word "posterus", which means "coming after" or "behind". The term "pituitary" derives from the Latin term "pituita", which refers to the phlegm-like substance secreted from the nose and throat. The pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis, is a small gland located at the base of the brain that secretes various hormones and is divided into two main parts: the anterior pituitary (also called adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary (also called neurohypophysis). The term "posterior" is used to describe its location behind or at the back.
Similar spelling word for POSTERIOR PITUITARY
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