Definition

Noun: 1. A thin piece of tissue that has become part of the posterior pituitary: In anatomy, the pars intermedia is a specific, often vestigial, region of the pituitary gland located between the anterior and posterior lobes. It is considered part of the posterior pituitary in adult humans.

Usage

The term "pars intermedia" is used exclusively in anatomical and medical contexts to refer to this specific structure. * The pars intermedia is a region of the pituitary gland derived from the posterior lobe. * In many adult humans, the pars intermedia is only a thin remnant of tissue.

Advanced Usage

• Developmental Context: The pars intermedia is more prominent in fetal development and in some animal species. In humans, it often regresses and merges with the posterior lobe (neurohypophysis).
  • The study focused on the regression of the pars intermedia during human development.

Variants and Related Words

• Intermediate lobe: A synonym for the pars intermedia, commonly used in comparative anatomy.
  • In frogs, the intermediate lobe secretes melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH).
• Pituitary gland: The endocrine gland of which the pars intermedia is a part.
• Adenohypophysis: The anterior pituitary lobe, which is distinct from the pars intermedia.
• Neurohypophysis: The posterior pituitary lobe, with which the pars intermedia is associated.

Synonyms

• Intermediate lobe (of the pituitary gland)

Noun

1. a thin piece of tissue that has become part of the posterior pituitary