The spelling of "Posterior Pituitary Hormones" can be quite confusing, but the IPA phonetic transcription can help. The word "posterior" is pronounced /pɑːˈstɪə.riə(r)/, "pituitary" is /pɪˈtjuː.ɪtər.i/, and "hormones" is /ˈhɔː.məʊnz/. It's important to note that the "t" in "posterior" is silent, as is the "u" in "pituitary". When combined, the word may also have an emphasis on the second syllable, making it /pɒsˈtɪər.iər/ piˈtu.ɪti r.i/ ˈhɔː.məʊnz/.
Posterior pituitary hormones, also known as neurohypophysial hormones, are a group of hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary gland in the brain. The posterior pituitary gland is a small, pea-sized structure located below the hypothalamus.
The two main hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary gland are antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also called vasopressin, and oxytocin. ADH regulates water balance in the body by controlling the amount of water reabsorbed by the kidneys. It helps to reduce urine production and prevent excessive water loss. ADH also acts as a vasoconstrictor, narrowing blood vessels to increase blood pressure.
Oxytocin is responsible for various reproductive functions and acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter. In females, it plays a crucial role in childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding. Oxytocin also has a role in social bonding, trust, and emotional attachment because it is released during positive social interactions, such as hugging or sexual activity.
Both hormones are produced by specialized cells in the hypothalamus called neurosecretory cells. They are then transported through nerve fibers and stored in the posterior pituitary gland until they are released into the bloodstream. The release of these hormones is regulated by the hypothalamus in response to various stimuli, such as changes in blood osmolarity, blood pressure, and stress.