A herring body, also known as a neurosecretory body, is a structure found in the posterior pituitary gland where hormones produced in the hypothalamus are temporarily stored before release.
Understanding Herring Bodies
Herring bodies are significant microscopic formations within the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis). They are not distinct cells but rather enlarged swellings at the very ends of axons originating from specialized nerve cells (neurosecretory neurons) located in the hypothalamus of the brain.
Based on the provided information, key aspects of herring bodies include:
- Location: Found in the posterior pituitary gland.
- Origin: They represent the terminal ends of axons that descend from the hypothalamus.
- Function: Hormones are temporarily stored in these locations.
Key Characteristics of Herring Bodies
These neurosecretory bodies serve as temporary depots for hormones synthesized in the hypothalamic nuclei.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Posterior pituitary gland (Neurohypophysis) |
| Origin | Terminal swellings of axons from the hypothalamus |
| Function | Temporary storage of neurohypophyseal hormones |
Role in Hormone Storage
Herring bodies play a crucial role in the endocrine system by storing two vital hormones produced by the hypothalamus:
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH), also known as Vasopressin, which helps regulate water balance.
- Oxytocin, involved in social bonding, sexual reproduction, and childbirth.
These hormones are synthesized in the cell bodies of neurosecretory neurons in the hypothalamus. They then travel down the axons via a process called axonal transport and accumulate within the terminal swellings, forming the visible herring bodies within the posterior pituitary.
Herring Bodies and Neurosecretion
The presence of herring bodies highlights the direct connection between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The hypothalamus, part of the brain, controls hormone release from the posterior pituitary through these axons. When stimulated, the nerve impulse travels down the axon to the herring body, triggering the release of the stored hormones into the bloodstream. This process, where neurons secrete hormones, is known as neurosecretion.
In essence, herring bodies are specialized storage sites that facilitate the regulated release of hypothalamic hormones into the systemic circulation, allowing them to act on distant target tissues.
