Posterior pituitary
Made of neural tissue
The posterior pituitary is a pea-sized gland found at the base of the brain, which is responsible for secreting hormones that play a critical role in regulating body functions. It is also known as the neurohypophysis and is closely connected to the hypothalamus, another important part of the brain that controls a variety of bodily processes.
The posterior pituitary gland secretes two hormones, oxytocin and vasopressin. Oxytocin is responsible for many functions, including the stimulation of lactation in nursing women, the contraction of the uterus during childbirth, and the regulation of emotional and social behaviors. Vasopressin helps regulate the body’s water balance, by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys, and it is also important in maintaining blood pressure.
The hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary gland are synthesized by specialized nerve cells in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary through a network of nerve fibers known as the hypothalamo-hypophyseal tract. Once in the posterior pituitary, these hormones are stored until they are required for release into the bloodstream.
Diseases or disorders that affect the posterior pituitary gland can lead to a range of health problems, including diabetes insipidus, which is a disorder characterized by excessive thirst and urination due to a deficiency of vasopressin, and inadequate lactation in nursing women due to a deficiency of oxytocin. In some cases, surgical removal of the posterior pituitary gland may be necessary, which can lead to hormonal imbalances and a variety of associated health issues.
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