HYPOPHYSIS Meaning and
Definition
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The hypophysis, commonly referred to as the pituitary gland, is a small, pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. It is considered the master gland of the body as it governs and regulates the functioning of other endocrine glands.
The hypophysis consists of two main parts: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary. The anterior pituitary synthesizes and releases hormones that control several bodily functions such as growth, reproduction, and metabolism. It produces hormones like growth hormone, prolactin, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). These hormones act on other endocrine glands or directly on target tissues to stimulate or inhibit certain processes in the body.
On the other hand, the posterior pituitary does not produce hormones itself. Instead, it stores and releases two important hormones produced by the hypothalamus: oxytocin and antidiuretic hormone (ADH). Oxytocin is involved in social bonding, childbirth, and milk ejection during breastfeeding, while ADH helps regulate water balance in the body.
The hypophysis functions through a complex system of feedback loops, where hormone levels are carefully regulated to maintain homeostasis. Dysfunctions or abnormalities of the pituitary gland can lead to various disorders, including growth disorders, reproductive issues, thyroid problems, and hormonal imbalances. Treatment often involves hormone replacement therapies or surgical interventions to correct any underlying issues with the hypophysis.
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1. Pituitary body, a small two-lobed body at the base of the brain lying in the pituitary fossa of the sphenoid bone. The smaller posterior lobe is developed from the brain to which it is attached by the infundibulum; it contains little or no brain substance but is composed chiefly of connective tissue and blood-vessels. The larger anterior lobe is developed from the buccal cavity; it consists of tubules lined with epithelium and surrounded by a capillary network; it is a closed gland, resembling the thyroid, and furnishes an internal secretion which influences the blood-pressure. Also called hypophysis cerebri. 2. In botany, the cell in the undifferentiated embryo body of an angiosperm from which the primary root is developed.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPOPHYSIS
- gypophysis
- bypophysis
- nypophysis
- jypophysis
- uypophysis
- yypophysis
- htpophysis
- hgpophysis
- hhpophysis
- hupophysis
- h7pophysis
- h6pophysis
- hyoophysis
- hylophysis
- hy-ophysis
- hy0ophysis
- hypiphysis
- hypkphysis
- hyplphysis
Etymology of HYPOPHYSIS
The word "hypophysis" comes from the Greek word "hypophysis" (ὑπόφυσις). It is composed of two parts: "hypo" meaning "under" and "physis" meaning "growth" or "origin". So, the literal translation of "hypophysis" is "undergrowth" or "underorigin". In the context of biology and medicine, "hypophysis" is used to refer to the pituitary gland, a small gland located at the base of the brain which plays a vital role in hormone secretion and regulation.
Similar spelling words for HYPOPHYSIS
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