HYPOPHYSIAL STALK Meaning and
Definition
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The hypophysial stalk, also known as the infundibulum or pituitary stalk, is a structure located in the brain that serves as a bridge connecting the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. It is a narrow tubular extension descending from the base of the hypothalamus and attaching to the posterior portion of the pituitary gland, known as the neurohypophysis.
This stalk is crucial for the communication and transportation of hormones between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, which are both vital components of the endocrine system. The hypothalamus, located above the stalk, acts as a control center by producing and releasing various hormones that regulate bodily functions and influence the secretions of the pituitary gland.
The hypophysial stalk provides a conduit for two important groups of hormones: releasing hormones and inhibitory hormones. Releasing hormones are secreted by the hypothalamus and travel along the stalk to stimulate the release of specific hormones from the anterior pituitary gland, while inhibitory hormones work in the opposite way, suppressing the production and release of hormones from the anterior pituitary.
Additionally, the hypophysial stalk also serves as a means for the transport of oxytocin and vasopressin, which are produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland before their release into the bloodstream.
In summary, the hypophysial stalk acts as a critical connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, facilitating the transportation of various hormones that regulate numerous bodily processes.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPHYSIAL STALK
- gypophysial stalk
- bypophysial stalk
- nypophysial stalk
- jypophysial stalk
- uypophysial stalk
- yypophysial stalk
- htpophysial stalk
- hgpophysial stalk
- hhpophysial stalk
- hupophysial stalk
- h7pophysial stalk
- h6pophysial stalk
- hyoophysial stalk
- hylophysial stalk
- hy-ophysial stalk
- hy0ophysial stalk
- hypiphysial stalk
- hypkphysial stalk
- hyplphysial stalk
- hyppphysial stalk
Etymology of HYPOPHYSIAL STALK
The word "hypophysial stalk" is a compound term composed of two parts:1. "Hypophysial" pertains to the hypophysis, which is an old term for the pituitary gland. The word "hypophysis" comes from the Greek word "hupo" meaning "under" and "physis" meaning "growth" or "nature", referring to the location of the pituitary gland at the base of the brain.2. "Stalk" refers to a slender, elongated structure that supports or connects an organ. In this context, it describes the connection between the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus, a region of the brain. The term "stalk" originates from the Middle English word "stalken", which means "to walk stealthily" or "to move slowly". It has since evolved to indicate the slender stem or connecting structure in botanical and anatomical terms.
