Hypophysis

Hypophysis (also known as the pituitary gland) is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain. It is an important part of the endocrine system, responsible for the production and regulation of various hormones that control a wide range of bodily functions.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The hypophysis is divided into two main parts: the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis). Each part has distinct functions and produces different hormones.

Anterior Pituitary[edit | edit source]

The anterior pituitary produces and releases several hormones, including:

Posterior Pituitary[edit | edit source]

The posterior pituitary stores and releases hormones produced in the hypothalamus, including:

Oxytocin
Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin

Function[edit | edit source]

The hypophysis plays a crucial role in maintaining homeostasis by regulating various bodily functions through the hormones it produces. These functions include growth, metabolism, reproduction, blood pressure regulation, and water balance.

Disorders[edit | edit source]

Disorders of the hypophysis can lead to a variety of medical conditions, including:

Treatment for these conditions often involves medication, hormone replacement therapy, and in some cases, surgery.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Hypophysis Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? Need help finding a doctor or specialist anywhere in the world? Explore our world directory. WikiMD's DocFinder can assist you in locating millions of physicians.	Medical Knowledge Access the latest research - Most recent articles Ongoing trials.