Pituitary, posterior

Pituitary, posterior
The back portion of the pituitary, a small gland in the head called the master gland. The posterior pituitary secretes the hormone oxytocin which increases uterine contractions and antidiuretic hormone (ADH) which increases reabsorption of water by the tubules of the kidney. Underproduction of ADH results in a disorder called diabetes insipidus characterized by inability to concentrate the urine and, consequently, excess urination leading potentially to dehydration. The urine is "insipid" (overly dilute).

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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  • pituitary body — noun the master gland of the endocrine system; located at the base of the brain • Syn: ↑pituitary, ↑pituitary gland, ↑hypophysis • Derivationally related forms: ↑hypophysial (for: ↑hypophysis), ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

  • pituitary gland — noun the master gland of the endocrine system; located at the base of the brain (Freq. 2) • Syn: ↑pituitary, ↑pituitary body, ↑hypophysis • Derivationally related forms: ↑hypophysial (for: ↑ …   Useful english dictionary

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  • pituitary gland — or pituitary body n. a small, oval endocrine gland attached by a stalk to the base of the brain and consisting of an anterior and a posterior lobe: it secretes hormones influencing body growth, metabolism, the activity of other endocrine glands,… …   English World dictionary

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  • Pituitary gland — The main endocrine gland. It is a small structure in the head. It is called the master gland because it produces hormones that control other glands and many body functions including growth. The pituitary consists of the anterior and posterior… …   Medical dictionary

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