The supraoptic nucleus is a compact group of large neurons lying over the start of the optic tract. Its cells make vasopressin (antidiuretic hormone) and oxytocin and send their axons down the pituitary stalk to release these hormones directly into the blood from the posterior pituitary.
| Location | Anterior hypothalamus, draped over the lateral edge of the optic chiasm and start of the optic tract |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Perforating branches of the anterior cerebral and internal carotid arteries; Superior hypophyseal arteries |
Senses blood concentration and releases vasopressin to conserve water, and releases oxytocin during childbirth and breastfeeding.
Damage to the supraoptic nucleus or its axons in the stalk causes central diabetes insipidus. After pituitary surgery a triphasic response may occur: diabetes insipidus, then inappropriate ADH release, then permanent diabetes insipidus. Desmopressin, a synthetic vasopressin analogue, replaces the missing hormone.
Inadequate vasopressin secretion causing polyuria and polydipsia, often after pituitary surgery, head trauma or tumours near the stalk.
A sequence of diabetes insipidus, then hyponatraemia from uncontrolled hormone release from injured axons, then permanent diabetes insipidus.
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