HYPOPHYSECTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Hypophysectomy is a medical term that refers to the complete or partial removal of the pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis. The pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized structure located at the base of the brain, housed within a bony cavity called the sella turcica. It is often considered the "master gland" for its vital role in secreting hormones that regulate various bodily functions.
During a hypophysectomy, the surgical procedure involves either total or selective removal of the gland. Total hypophysectomy entails the complete eradication of the pituitary gland, while selective hypophysectomy focuses on removing only specific portions or tumors affecting the gland.
This procedure is typically reserved for patients with conditions such as pituitary tumors, hormonal imbalances, or severe cases of acromegaly (a hormonal disorder leading to excessive bone growth and enlargement of body tissues). By removing the pituitary gland, the production and release of certain hormones, such as growth hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and cortisol, are halted, requiring patients to receive lifelong hormone replacement therapy to maintain normal body function.
Hypophysectomy is a complex surgical intervention that requires careful pre-operative evaluation, comprehensive post-operative care, and ongoing monitoring and treatment to manage the potential complications associated with hormone deficiencies that may arise from the lack of pituitary gland function.
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Surgical removal of the hypophysis cerebri.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPHYSECTOMY
- gypophysectomy
- bypophysectomy
- nypophysectomy
- jypophysectomy
- uypophysectomy
- yypophysectomy
- htpophysectomy
- hgpophysectomy
- hhpophysectomy
- hupophysectomy
- h7pophysectomy
- h6pophysectomy
- hyoophysectomy
- hylophysectomy
- hy-ophysectomy
- hy0ophysectomy
- hypiphysectomy
- hypkphysectomy
- hyplphysectomy
Etymology of HYPOPHYSECTOMY
The word "hypophysectomy" is derived from two main components:
1. "Hypophysis": This term comes from the Ancient Greek word "hupophysis" (ὑπόφυσις) which means "to grow under" or "to appear beneath". In the context of anatomy, it refers to the pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain and is responsible for the production and secretion of various hormones.
2. "Ectomy": This suffix is derived from the Greek word "ektomē" (ἐκτομή), meaning "excision" or "surgical removal". It is commonly used in medical terminology to indicate the surgical removal of a specified organ or structure from the body.
Therefore, "hypophysectomy" literally means the surgical removal or excision of the pituitary gland.
Similar spelling words for HYPOPHYSECTOMY
