Inferior hypophyseal artery

Inferior Hypophyseal Artery

Inferior hypophyseal artery, shown in red, supplies blood to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.

The Inferior Hypophyseal Artery is a small artery that supplies blood to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. It is a branch of the meningeal artery, which itself is a branch of the internal carotid artery.

Anatomy

The inferior hypophyseal artery originates from the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. It travels inferiorly to reach the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, where it forms a capillary network to supply the gland with blood.

Function

The primary function of the inferior hypophyseal artery is to supply blood to the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. This lobe is responsible for the production and release of two hormones: vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone or ADH) and oxytocin. These hormones are critical for the regulation of water balance and the reproductive system, respectively.

Clinical significance

Damage to the inferior hypophyseal artery can lead to hypopituitarism, a condition characterized by a decrease in the production of one or more of the hormones produced by the pituitary gland. This can result in a variety of symptoms, depending on which hormones are affected.

See also

• Superior hypophyseal artery
• Pituitary gland
• Internal carotid artery