NEUROHYPOPHYSIS Meaning and
Definition
-
The neurohypophysis refers to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which is a small endocrine gland situated at the base of the brain. It is derived from the neural tissue and is responsible for the storage and release of two important hormones: antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.
ADH, also known as vasopressin, plays a crucial role in regulating the body's water balance by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys. It acts on the kidneys, causing them to retain water, thus reducing urine output and maintaining proper hydration levels in the body. ADH also constricts blood vessels, elevating blood pressure when necessary.
Oxytocin, on the other hand, is involved in various reproductive functions, as well as social bonding and maternal-infant attachment. During childbirth, oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions and promotes the release of milk from the mammary glands during breastfeeding. It also plays a role in creating trust and bonding between individuals.
The neurohypophysis receives hormones from the hypothalamus, a region of the brain that controls various bodily functions. These hormones are synthesized in the hypothalamus and transported to the neurohypophysis via specialized nerve fibers called hypothalamo-hypophyseal tracts. When stimulated, the neurohypophysis releases the stored hormones into the bloodstream and subsequently transports them to their target organs or tissues, exerting their respective effects.
-
The posterior lobe of the hypophysis cerebri, or pituitary body.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEUROHYPOPHYSIS
- beurohypophysis
- meurohypophysis
- jeurohypophysis
- heurohypophysis
- nwurohypophysis
- nsurohypophysis
- ndurohypophysis
- nrurohypophysis
- n4urohypophysis
- n3urohypophysis
- neyrohypophysis
- nehrohypophysis
- nejrohypophysis
- neirohypophysis
- ne8rohypophysis
- ne7rohypophysis
- neueohypophysis
- neudohypophysis
- neufohypophysis
Etymology of NEUROHYPOPHYSIS
The word "neurohypophysis" is derived from two Greek roots: "neuron" meaning "nerve" and "hypophysis" meaning "undergrowth" or "endocrine gland". In the context of the nervous system, the term was coined to refer to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, which is directly connected to the hypothalamus by a bundle of nerve fibers. Therefore, "neurohypophysis" literally translates to "nerve gland" or "nerve undergrowth".
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
