HYPOPHYSES Meaning and
Definition
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Hypophyses, also known as the pituitary gland, refers to a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain in the sella turcica of the sphenoid bone. It is often referred to as the "master gland" due to its pivotal role in regulating various bodily functions.
The hypophyses consists of two distinct sections: the anterior pituitary gland and the posterior pituitary gland, each having unique functions. The anterior pituitary gland is responsible for producing and releasing several hormones that regulate growth, metabolism, reproduction, and other vital processes. These hormones include growth hormone, prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone, among others. On the other hand, the posterior pituitary gland does not produce its own hormones, but rather stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus. These hormones include oxytocin, involved in childbirth and lactation, and vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone), which regulates water balance in the body.
The hypophyses plays a crucial role in maintaining overall physiological homeostasis by coordinating the release of hormones that act on various endocrine glands throughout the body. Dysfunction of the hypophyses can lead to a range of disorders, including growth disorders, hormonal imbalances, infertility, and other endocrine-related conditions. Medical interventions, such as medication or surgery, are often employed to address any dysfunction in the pituitary gland and restore normal hormonal function.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPHYSES
- hypophysi
- hypophysis
- hipophysis
- gypophyses
- bypophyses
- nypophyses
- jypophyses
- uypophyses
- yypophyses
- htpophyses
- hgpophyses
- hhpophyses
- hupophyses
- h7pophyses
- h6pophyses
- hyoophyses
- hylophyses
- hy-ophyses
- hy0ophyses
- hypiphyses
Etymology of HYPOPHYSES
The word "hypophyses" is derived from the Greek language. "Hypo" means "under" and "physis" means "growth" or "origin". In Greek mythology, the hypophysis was considered the "undergrowth" or "foundations" of a plant, referring to the part that grows beneath the surface. In anatomy, the term is used to describe a small, endocrine gland situated at the base of the brain, called the pituitary gland. Over time, the term hypophysis has been used to refer to this gland as well as to various other structures resembling it in shape or function.
Similar spelling words for HYPOPHYSES
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