Posterior Pituitary

Summary

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Key Points

• Posterior Pituitary
  • Structure:
    • Made up of axonal projections from hypothalamus
    • One of two lobes of pituitary gland, located beneath the Hypothalamus
  • Hormones Background:
    • Origin: Hormones made in hypothalamus
      • Stored in posterior pituitary
      • Posterior pituitary hormones are synthesized in the hypothalamus and undergo axonal transport to be stored in the posterior pituitary
    • Trigger: Neural signals from hypothalamus
      • Secretion of hormones is mediated by depolarization of the nerve terminals extending from the hypothalamus
    • Type: Peptide
  • Releases:
    • Vasopressin/Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
      • Increases water reabsorption
      • Stimulates collecting ducts of kidneys to reabsorb more water Increases blood pressure
    • Oxytocin 
      • Stimulates uterine contractions 
      • Stimulates milk ejections from breasts