The posterior pituitary - The silent regulator

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Streamed on 08 Sep, 2025, 07:00 PM

ABOUT THIS SESSION

The posterior pituitary, often referred to as the silent regulator, quietly orchestrates some of the bodys most essential functions. By releasing hormones such as antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and oxytocin, it plays a crucial role in maintaining water balance, regulating blood pressure, and supporting reproductive health. Though small and often overlooked compared to other endocrine glands, its influence on overall well-being is profound. In this session, Dr. Sanjay Kalra will shed light on the hidden power of this silent regulator and its significance in clinical practice.

Q&A

The anterior pituitary develops from ectoderm (Rathkes pouch), whereas the posterior pituitary originates from neuroectoderm, extending as a projection from the hypothalamus.

The posterior pituitary stores and releases oxytocin and arginine vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone, ADH), both of which are synthesized in the hypothalamus.

Vasopressin causes vasoconstriction to maintain blood pressure and acts on the kidney to reabsorb water, reducing urine output and conserving body fluids.

Deficiency of vasopressin leads to diabetes insipidus, characterized by excessive urination and risk of dehydration.

Diabetes insipidus produces large volumes of dilute, tasteless urine without glucose, whereas diabetes mellitus is marked by sweet urine due to excess glucose.

In SIADH, excessive ADH causes water retention, dilutional hyponatremia, and reduced urine output, leading to hypotonicity.

Oxytocin stimulates uterine contractions, enhancing labor and facilitating delivery.

Unlike most hormones regulated by negative feedback, oxytocin operates via positive feedback, where uterine contractions trigger further oxytocin release.

Oxytocin facilitates milk ejection from the mammary glands during breastfeeding by contracting myoepithelial cells.

The posterior pituitary is not a true gland because it does not synthesize hormones; it only stores and releases hormones produced in the hypothalamus.

FACULTY

Dr. Sanjay Kalra

Consultant & Head,Treasurer, International Society of Endocrinology (ISE), Vice President, South Asian Obesity Forum (SOF) Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India

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