MEDIAN EMINENCE Meaning and
Definition
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The median eminence is a specialized anatomical structure found in the brain, specifically within the hypothalamus. It is a small elevation or swelling located at the base of the hypothalamus, near the optic chiasm. The term "median" refers to its central position, while "eminence" indicates its prominence.
Functionally, the median eminence plays a crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes and acts as an essential link between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. It serves as a site for the synthesis and secretion of releasing hormones, which are responsible for controlling the activity of the pituitary gland.
Within the median eminence, specialized neurons called neurosecretory cells produce specific releasing hormones. These hormones are then released into tiny blood vessels known as capillaries, forming a connection between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary gland. Through this connection, the releasing hormones travel to the anterior pituitary, where they stimulate or inhibit the release of various hormones that control bodily functions such as growth, metabolism, reproduction, and stress responses.
The median eminence thus acts as a crucial interface, allowing the hypothalamus to exert direct control on the activity of the pituitary gland. Its function is essential for maintaining homeostasis, coordinating physiological processes, and regulating hormone secretion throughout the body.
Common Misspellings for MEDIAN EMINENCE
- nedian eminence
- kedian eminence
- jedian eminence
- mwdian eminence
- msdian eminence
- mddian eminence
- mrdian eminence
- m4dian eminence
- m3dian eminence
- mesian eminence
- mexian eminence
- mecian eminence
- mefian eminence
- merian eminence
- meeian eminence
- meduan eminence
- medjan eminence
- medkan eminence
- medoan eminence
- med9an eminence
Etymology of MEDIAN EMINENCE
The word "median eminence" is a combination of the words "median" and "eminence".
The word "median" comes from the Latin word "mediānus", which means "middle, central". It is derived from the Latin word "medius", meaning "middle".
The word "eminence" comes from the Latin word "eminēntia", which means "excellence, superiority". It is derived from the Latin word "ēminēns", meaning "prominent, projecting".
When combined, "median eminence" refers to a specific anatomical structure in the brain, located in the middle section of the base of the hypothalamus. The term describes a prominence or projection in this central region.
