PITUICYTES Meaning and
Definition
-
Pituicytes are a type of specialized cells found in the pituitary gland, also known as the hypophysis. They form part of the neurohypophysis, which is the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Pituicytes are astrocyte-like cells, meaning they share some characteristics with astrocytes, a type of glial cell found in the brain and spinal cord.
These cells are primarily involved in the storage and secretion of two important hormones: oxytocin and vasopressin (also known as antidiuretic hormone or ADH). Oxytocin plays a crucial role in regulating social bonding, sexual reproduction, and childbirth. Vasopressin, on the other hand, is primarily involved in maintaining fluid balance by regulating water reabsorption in the kidneys.
Pituicytes help facilitate the release of these hormones by providing structural support and creating a specialized environment for hormone storage within the axon terminals of the cells. They are responsible for the synthesis and transport of carrier proteins required for hormone storage and secretion.
These cells also play a vital role in responding to changes in osmolality and blood pressure. When there is an increase in blood osmolality or a decrease in blood pressure, pituicytes respond by releasing more vasopressin into the bloodstream, which promotes water absorption and reabsorption in the kidneys, ultimately helping to maintain water balance in the body.
In summary, pituicytes are specialized cells found in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and are involved in the storage and secretion of hormones such as oxytocin and vasopressin, which are essential for various physiological processes in the body.
Etymology of PITUICYTES
The term "pituicytes" is derived from two different sources: "pitu-" and "-cytes".
The prefix "pitu-" refers to the pituitary gland, which is a small gland located at the base of the brain that produces and releases various hormones. This term comes from the Latin word "pituita", meaning "phlegm" or "mucus", as the pituitary gland was originally associated with secretions.
The suffix "-cytes" comes from the Greek word "kytos", meaning "cell". It is commonly used in biology to denote different types of cells or cellular structures.
Therefore, the term "pituicytes" refers to the specific type of cells found in the neurohypophysis, which is the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland.
