Posterior Pituitary Hormones Overview

The process where water moves from the collecting tubules and ducts into the bloodstream, driven by the concentration difference between the fluid inside the tubules and the blood.

The posterior lobe of the pituitary gland, also known as the neurohypophysis. It's mainly composed of pituicytes, supporting cells for nerve fibers that originate in the hypothalamus.

Hormones produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary gland. They are released into circulation when signaled from the brain.

A hormone produced by the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland that regulates water reabsorption in the kidneys.

A hormone that acts on the kidneys to regulate water reabsorption, influencing blood pressure.

A condition where the body's fluids are too concentrated, leading to increased secretion of ADH.

Vasopressin primarily targets these receptors in the kidneys, leading to increased water reabsorption into the blood.

A condition where the body's fluids are too dilute, leading to decreased secretion of ADH.

Specialized neurons in the hypothalamus that detect changes in fluid concentration, triggering the release of ADH.

Hormone involved in stimulating uterine contractions during labor and milk ejection during breastfeeding.

Oxytocin primarily targets these receptors in the uterus and breast, leading to muscle contractions and milk ejection.

Low blood volume or blood pressure triggers the release of ADH, leading to water retention.

Atrial stretch receptors, located in the heart, can detect changes in blood volume and send signals to the brain, influencing ADH secretion.

The production of vasopressin is regulated by factors such as blood osmolarity and blood volume.

ADH, in higher concentrations, can constrict blood vessels, increasing blood pressure. This is why ADH is also called vasopressin.

The production of oxytocin is primarily controlled by suckling and the nervous system.

A condition where the body cannot conserve water, resulting in excessive urination (polyuria) and thirst (polydipsia).

A hormone responsible for milk ejection from the mammary glands. Triggers contraction of myoepithelial cells, propelling milk through ducts to the nipple.

The process by which oxytocin triggers the release of milk from the mammary glands. It is triggered by signals from the nervous system, such as suckling.

The state of having too much ADH (antidiuretic hormone) in the body, leading to water retention and low sodium levels in the blood.

A condition where the kidneys are unable to conserve water efficiently.

A small protein molecule that is secreted from the posterior pituitary gland along with ADH and oxytocin.

Water-permeable pores found in the luminal membranes of tubular epithelial cells in the collecting ducts of the kidneys.

The process by which ADH stimulates water reabsorption in the kidneys by increasing the permeability of the collecting ducts and tubules.

The process by which ADH binds to membrane receptors on the collecting duct cells leading to the activation of adenylyl cyclase and phosphorylation of aquaporins.

The mechanism by which ADH causes the insertion of aquaporin-containing vesicles into the cell membrane, increasing water permeability.

Oxytocin is a hormone produced in the hypothalamus and is released by the posterior pituitary gland.

Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, which help with childbirth.

Oxytocin receptors are located on the surface of target cells, not in the nucleus.

Oxytocin is released by the posterior pituitary gland, not the anterior pituitary gland.

Oxytocin helps trigger uterine contractions, leading to shorter labor duration, not prolonging it.