Superior hypophyseal artery

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

Superior Hypophyseal Artery

Illustration of the Superior Hypophyseal Artery from Gray's Anatomy

The Superior Hypophyseal Artery is a small branch of the Internal Carotid Artery that supplies blood to the Pituitary Gland. It is a vital component of the Circulatory System in the human body.

Anatomy[edit | edit source]

The Superior Hypophyseal Artery originates from the Cavernous Segment of the Internal Carotid Artery. It travels superiorly to the Pituitary Stalk, where it forms a capillary plexus that supplies the Pars Tuberalis and the median eminence of the Hypothalamus.

Function[edit | edit source]

The primary function of the Superior Hypophyseal Artery is to supply oxygenated blood to the upper part of the Pituitary Gland and the Hypothalamus. It also plays a crucial role in the transport of Hypothalamic Hormones to the anterior pituitary.

Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]

Damage or blockage of the Superior Hypophyseal Artery can lead to various medical conditions, including Pituitary Adenomas and Hypopituitarism. It is also a significant artery studied in Neurosurgery and Endocrinology.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]



Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD