[[Image:Grays pituitary.png|thumb|250px|The posterior pituitary comprises the posterior lobe of the [[pituitary gland]].]]
[[Image:Grays pituitary.png|thumb|250px|The posterior pituitary comprises the posterior lobe of the [[pituitary gland]].]]
The '''posterior pituitary''' (also called the '''neurohypophysis''') comprises the [[posterior]] lobe of the [[pituitary gland]] and is part of the [[endocrine system]]. It consists mainly of [[neuron]]al projections ([[axon]]s) extending from the [[supraoptic nucleus|supraoptic]] and [[paraventricular nucleus|paraventricular nuclei]] of the [[hypothalamus]] that secrete [[peptide hormone]]s into the capillaries of the hypophyseal circulation. The neurohypophysis also contains a specialised type of astrocytic glial cell - "pituicytes".
The '''posterior pituitary''' (also called the '''neurohypophysis''') comprises the [[posterior]] lobe of the [[pituitary gland]] and is part of the [[endocrine system]]. It consists mainly of [[neuron]]al projections ([[axon]]s) extending from the [[supraoptic nucleus|supraoptic]] and [[paraventricular nucleus|paraventricular nuclei]] of the [[hypothalamus]] that secrete [[peptide hormone]]s into the capillaries of the hypophyseal circulation. The neurohypophysis also contains a specialised type of astrocytic glial cell - "pituicytes".
−
{{BioPsy}}
+
==Anatomy==
==Anatomy==
Despite its name, the posterior pituitary gland is not a gland, ''per se''; rather, it is largely a collection of [[axon]]al projections from the hypothalamus that terminate behind the [[anterior pituitary gland]]. It is derived embryonically from downward-growth of the [[diencephalon]]. This tissue receives its [[blood]] supply from the [[inferior hypophyseal artery]], and secretes hormones into the [[hypophyseal vein]]. These hormones are actually made in the [[hypothalamus]] and transported to the posterior pituitary gland, where they are stored.
Despite its name, the posterior pituitary gland is not a gland, ''per se''; rather, it is largely a collection of [[axon]]al projections from the hypothalamus that terminate behind the [[anterior pituitary gland]]. It is derived embryonically from downward-growth of the [[diencephalon]]. This tissue receives its [[blood]] supply from the [[inferior hypophyseal artery]], and secretes hormones into the [[hypophyseal vein]]. These hormones are actually made in the [[hypothalamus]] and transported to the posterior pituitary gland, where they are stored.
Line 31:
Line 32:
==Role in disease==
==Role in disease==
−
Insufficient secretion of [[vasopressin]] is [[diabetes insipidus|central diabetes insipidus]], in which the body loses the capacity to concentrate urine. Affected individuals excrete as much as 20 L of dilute urine per day. Oversecretion of vasopressin causes the [[syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone]].
+
Insufficient secretion of [[vasopressin]] is [[diabetes insipidus|central diabetes insipidus]], in which the body loses the capacity to concentrate urine. Affected individuals excrete as much as 20 L of dilute urine per day. Oversecretion of vasopressin causes the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
+
+
One can readily see if the functioning of this structure is affected by psychological stress via the rest of the neuroendocrine system why mothers might have difficulty giving birth, why they might have difficulty [[breastfeeding]] or why some individuals might experience kidney or micturation problems.
+
+
==See also==
+
+
==References & Bibliography==
+
==Key texts==
+
===Books===
+
+
===Papers===
+
+
==Additional material==
+
===Books===
+
+
===Papers===
+
*[http://scholar.google.com/scholar?sourceid=mozclient&num=50&scoring=d&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&q=Posterior+Pituitary Google Scholar]
Despite its name, the posterior pituitary gland is not a gland, per se; rather, it is largely a collection of axonal projections from the hypothalamus that terminate behind the anterior pituitary gland. It is derived embryonically from downward-growth of the diencephalon. This tissue receives its blood supply from the inferior hypophyseal artery, and secretes hormones into the hypophyseal vein. These hormones are actually made in the hypothalamus and transported to the posterior pituitary gland, where they are stored.
The posterior pituitary has three main components:
Hormones known classically as posterior pituitary hormones are synthesized by the hypothalamus. They are stored and secreted by the posterior pituitary into the bloodstream.
Insufficient secretion of vasopressin is central diabetes insipidus, in which the body loses the capacity to concentrate urine. Affected individuals excrete as much as 20 L of dilute urine per day. Oversecretion of vasopressin causes the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone.
One can readily see if the functioning of this structure is affected by psychological stress via the rest of the neuroendocrine system why mothers might have difficulty giving birth, why they might have difficulty breastfeeding or why some individuals might experience kidney or micturation problems.
Added by Lifeartist
Edit