POSTHYPOPHYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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The posthypophysis is a part of the endocrine system located at the base of the brain, specifically in the posterior region of the pituitary gland. It is commonly referred to as the posterior pituitary or neurohypophysis. The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized gland situated at the base of the brain, and it plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions and maintaining hormone balance.
The posthypophysis primarily serves as a storage and release site for two important hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus, which is a neighboring region in the brain. These hormones are oxytocin and vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Oxytocin plays a vital role in childbirth and lactation, as it stimulates uterine contractions during labor and promotes the release of breast milk in nursing mothers. Vasopressin, on the other hand, regulates the body's water balance by influencing the absorption of water in the kidneys.
When necessary, the hypothalamus sends electrical signals to the posthypophysis, signaling the release of oxytocin or vasopressin into the bloodstream. This communication between the hypothalamus and the posthypophysis is essential for maintaining homeostasis in the body and ensuring the proper functioning of various bodily systems.
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The posterior portion of the pituitary body, or hypophysis cerebri.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for POSTHYPOPHYSIS
- posthypophyqis
- posthypophyris
- posthypophysys
- posthypophysas
- posthypophysms
- posthypophyshs
- posthypophysi3
- posthypophysic
- posthypophysiq
- posthypophysir
- po sthypophysis
- pos thypophysis
- post hypophysis
- posth ypophysis
- posthypoph ysis
- posthypophy sis
- posthypophys is
- posthypophysi s
Etymology of POSTHYPOPHYSIS
The word "posthypophysis" is derived from the Latin roots "post" meaning "after" or "behind", "hypophysis" meaning "pituitary gland", and the suffix "-sis" indicating a condition or process. The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain, and the term "posthypophysis" refers to the posterior part of this gland.
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