Hypophysis
Hypophysis
Hypophysis (pronounced: hi-POF-uh-sis), also known as the pituitary gland, is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is a crucial part of the endocrine system, responsible for the production and regulation of various hormones.
Etymology
The term "hypophysis" is derived from the Greek words "hypo" meaning "under" and "physis" meaning "growth". This refers to the gland's position beneath the brain and its role in growth and development.
Function
The hypophysis is divided into two main parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. Each part has distinct functions and produces different hormones.
The anterior pituitary produces hormones such as growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin (PRL).
The posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones produced in the hypothalamus, including antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin.
Related Terms
- Endocrine system: The collection of glands that produce hormones that regulate metabolism, growth and development, tissue function, sexual function, reproduction, sleep, and mood, among other things.
- Hormone: A chemical substance produced in the body that controls and regulates the activity of certain cells or organs.
- Hypothalamus: A region of the brain that controls an immense number of bodily functions. It is located in the middle of the base of the brain, and it coordinates both the autonomic nervous system and the activity of the pituitary, controlling body temperature, thirst, hunger, and other homeostatic systems, and involved in sleep and emotional activity.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hypophysis
- Wikipedia's article - Hypophysis
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski