Art Portfolio of Alyssa

Angeles

10 – Copernicus
 POSTERIOR
PITUITARY
GLAND
The posterior pituitary does not produce any hormones of its own, rather, it stores and secretes
two hormones made in the hypothalamus— oxytocin and
anti-diuretic hormone.

Posterior pituitary receives its signals from the magnocellular neurons.

The posterior lobe contains the ends of nerve cells coming from the hypothalamus. The
hypothalamus sends hormones directly to the posterior lobe via these nerves, and then the
pituitary gland releases them.

Posterior Lobe Hormones:

 Anti-diuretic hormone (ADH)/Vasopressin: This hormone prompts the kidneys to increase water
absorption in the blood.
 Oxytocin: Oxytocin is involved in a variety of processes, such as contracting the uterus during
childbirth and stimulating breast milk production.

The posterior lobe produces antidiuretic hormone, which reclaims water from the kidneys and
conserves it in the bloodstream to prevent dehydration. Oxytocin is also produced by the
posterior lobe, aiding in uterine contractions during childbirth and stimulating the production and
release of milk.

Pituitary gland
The pituitary gland is a small pea-sized gland that plays a major role in regulating vital body
functions and general wellbeing. It is referred to as the body's 'master gland' because it controls
the activity of most other hormone-secreting glands.

 The posterior pituitary or neurohypophysis is not a separate organ, but an extension of

the hypothalamus. It is composed largely of the axons of hypothalamic neurons which
extend downward as a large bundle behind the anterior pituitary. It also forms the so-
called pituitary stalk, which appears to suspend the anterior gland from the
hypothalamus.

Underproduction of ADH results in a disorder called diabetes insipidus characterized by inability

to concentrate the urine and, consequently, excess urination leading potentially to dehydration.
The urine is "insipid" (overly dilute).

 posterior pituitary: The posterior pituitary (or neurohypophysis) comprises the posterior
lobe of the pituitary gland and is part of the endocrine system. Despite its name, the
posterior pituitary gland is not a true gland; rather, it is largely a collection of axonal
projections from the hypothalamus that terminate behind the anterior pituitary gland.