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Glite Dictionary
posterior pituitary gland

posterior pituitary gland

5.6
The back part of the gland at the brain base that stores and sends hormones for water balance and childbirth
  • noun
  • /ˌpoʊstɪˈɪəriər pɪˈtjuːɪtəri ɡlænd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : glándula hipófisis posterior
  • The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin produced by the hypothalamus.

Examples

  • Hormones released by the posterior pituitary gland play a crucial role in water balance and childbirth.

  • Injury to the posterior pituitary gland can lead to disorders like diabetes insipidus.

  • The posterior pituitary gland releases hormones into the bloodstream.

  • What is the function of the posterior pituitary gland?

  • Hormones released by the posterior pituitary gland play a crucial role in water balance and childbirth.

  • Injury to the posterior pituitary gland can lead to disorders like diabetes insipidus.

  • The posterior pituitary gland stores and releases oxytocin and vasopressin produced by the hypothalamus.

Synonyms

posterior pituitary
vsposterior pituitary gland
  • Specialized
6.2

The back part of the small gland at the base of the brain that sends hormones to control body water

is the same part but uses a fuller anatomical label
neurohypophysis
vsposterior pituitary gland
  • Specialized
9.9

The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones made in the brain into the blood

focuses on releasing those hormones without naming their source
pars nervosa
vsposterior pituitary gland
  • Specialized
9.9

The back part of the pituitary gland that stores and releases hormones made in the brain

emphasises active hormone release into the bloodstream rather than storage

Surface Forms

posterior pituitary gland singular
posterior pituitary glands plural

Morphology

posterior + pituitary + gland

This term is compositionally built from 'posterior' (rear) + 'pituitary' (the endocrine gland) + 'gland' (organ that releases hormones), so the meaning 'the rear part of the pituitary gland' is directly derivable from the parts. It follows standard anatomical naming patterns common across languages, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will be able to infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Posterior pituitary gland names the posterior part, meaning the 'back', of the small pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It stores and then releases hormones like oxytocin and vasopressin into the blood, so it 'sends out' chemical signals that control water balance and childbirth.