Neurohypophysis

Neurohypophysis (neurohypophysis; neuro- + pituitary gland; synonym: nervous pituitary gland, posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, nervous lobe of the pituitary gland) is a part of the pituitary gland that develops from the descending process of the neurohypophysis. The neurohypophysis produces the hormones oxytocin and vasopressin, which are involved in the regulation of water-salt metabolism and contraction of the smooth muscles of the uterus and mammary glands. The neurohypophysis is innervated by cells of the hypothalamus, which produce these hormones and transport them along the axial processes to the neurohypophysis, where they accumulate and are subsequently released into the bloodstream. Thus, the neurohypophysis acts as a site for the storage and release of hypothalamic hormones.

Neurohypophysis: Posterior part of the pituitary gland that controls hormonal regulation

The neurohypophysis, also known as the posterior pituitary gland or the nervous pituitary gland, is an important part of the hypothalamic-pituitary system, responsible for regulating various hormonal functions in the body. Located in the posterior part of the pituitary gland, the neurohypophysis serves as the storage and release of hormones synthesized in the hypothalamus.

Structurally, the neurohypophysis is a continuation of neurons, their axons, which pass through the stalk of the pituitary gland and form the hypothalamic-pituitary connection. These neurons produce two main hormones: vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin.

Vasopressin plays an important role in regulating water levels in the body. It increases the reabsorption of water in the kidneys, which helps increase circulating blood volume. Vasopressin also affects vascular tone and is involved in the regulation of blood pressure and smooth muscle function.

Oxytocin, in turn, plays an important role in the reproductive system. In women, it promotes uterine contractions during childbirth and stimulates milk production during breastfeeding. In men, oxytocin may be associated with the function of the reproductive system.

The neurohypophysis is controlled by the hypothalamus by releasing special hormones called hypothalamic releaseins. These releaseins enter the neurohypophysis via the hypothalamic-pituitary peduncle and stimulate the release of vasopressin and oxytocin.

Dysfunction of the neurohypophysis can lead to various pathologies. For example, insufficient release of vasopressin can lead to a condition known as diabetic insipid failure, characterized by excess diuresis and thirst. Dysregulation of oxytocin can also affect childbirth and breastfeeding.

In conclusion, the neurohypophysis plays an important role in regulating the body's hormonal functions. Its main hormones, vasopressin and oxytocin, are involved in the regulation of water balance, blood pressure, uterine function and lactation. Understanding the role of the neurohypophysis and its hormones is important for understanding the physiology and pathology of various body systems. Further research into the neurohypophysis may lead to new discoveries and progress in the fields of endocrinology and neurobiology.