Antidiuretic hormone, or ADH, is secreted by the?

Antidiuretic hormone (ADH), also known as vasopressin, is primarily secreted by the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. This hormone plays a crucial role in the regulation of water balance in the body by promoting water reabsorption in the kidneys. Although ADH is synthesized in the hypothalamus, it is stored and released from the posterior pituitary gland into the bloodstream.

The posterior pituitary acts as a reservoir for hormones produced in the hypothalamus, allowing for their regulated release as needed, which underscores the importance of the posterior lobe in the overall hormonal pathway related to water retention and blood pressure regulation. Understanding this function clarifies the physiological processes behind fluid balance and the role of hormones in maintaining homeostasis in the body.