Superior hypophysial artery

Superior hypophysial artery is an artery that supplies blood to the pituitary gland. It originates from the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. The superior hypophysial artery is a part of the Circle of Willis, a circulatory anastomosis that supplies blood to the brain and surrounding structures.

Etymology

The term "hypophysial" is derived from the Greek word "hypophysis," which means "undergrowth." This term is used to refer to the pituitary gland due to its position at the base of the brain.

Anatomy

The superior hypophysial artery is a small branch of the cavernous segment of the internal carotid artery. It travels superiorly to the pituitary gland, where it divides into several smaller branches. These branches supply blood to the anterior pituitary, also known as the adenohypophysis, and the pars tuberalis, a part of the pituitary gland that wraps around the infundibulum.

Function

The primary function of the superior hypophysial artery is to supply blood to the anterior pituitary and the pars tuberalis. The blood supplied by this artery carries hormones and other substances necessary for the function of these parts of the pituitary gland.

Clinical significance

The superior hypophysial artery is important in the context of pituitary gland disorders. For example, a pituitary adenoma, a common type of pituitary gland tumor, can cause compression of this artery, leading to ischemia and hormone imbalances.

See also

• Inferior hypophysial artery
• Pituitary gland
• Internal carotid artery
• Circle of Willis

References

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