What does the posterior pituitary gland secrete?

Key Points

• The posterior pituitary gland secretes Oxytocin and Vasopressin (also known as Antidiuretic Hormone, ADH).
• Oxytocin plays a crucial role in childbirth and lactation by stimulating uterine contractions and milk ejection, respectively.
• Vasopressin helps regulate water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys.
• These hormones are produced in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary before being released into the bloodstream.

Additional Information

• The pituitary gland, often referred to as the "master gland," is located at the base of the brain and is divided into two parts: the anterior and posterior pituitary.
• The anterior pituitary produces hormones such as growth hormone, prolactin, and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
• The posterior pituitary does not produce its own hormones but stores and releases hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
• The hypothalamus-pituitary axis is a critical part of the endocrine system, regulating various bodily functions through hormone secretion.
• Dysfunction in the posterior pituitary can lead to conditions such as diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive thirst and urination.