posterior

(adjective)

Nearer the caudal end of the body in quadrupeds or the dorsal end in bipeds.

Related Terms

Examples of posterior in the following topics:

  • The Posterior Pituitary

    • The posterior pituitary secretes two important endocrine hormones, namely Oxytocin and Antidiuretic hormone.
    • The posterior pituitary (or neurohypophysis) comprises the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland and is part of the endocrine system.
    • The posterior pituitary is composed of two parts:
    • Pars nervosa, also called the neural lobe or posterior lobe, constitutes the majority of the posterior pituitary and is the storage site of oxytocin and vasopressin.
    • Identify the location of the posterior pituitary and the hormones associated with it

  • Control of the Pituitary Gland by the Hypothalamus

    • The pituitary gland consists of the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary.
    • The pituitary gland consists of two components: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary, and is functionally linked to the hypothalamus by the pituitary stalk (also named the "infundibular stem", or simply the "infundibulum").
    • Whilst the pituitary gland is known as the 'master' endocrine gland, both of the lobes are under the control of the hypothalamus; the anterior pituitary receives its signals from the parvocellular neurons and the posterior pituitary receives its signals from magnocellular neurons.
    • The posterior lobe of the pituitary develops as an extension of the hypothalamus.

  • Posterior Muscles

    • Posterior muscles are split into three groups depending on their physiological location.
    • The superficial posterior muscles are associated with movement of the shoulder.
    • Serratus Posterior Superior - The serratus posterior superior is a thin, rectangular-shaped muscle lying below the rhomboid muscles.
    • Serratus Posterior Inferior - The serratus posterior inferior is a broad muscle lying beneath the latissimus dorsi.
    • Describe the location and movements of the posterior muscles of the trunk

  • Cervical Plexus

    • The branches of the cervical plexus emerge from the posterior triangle at the nerve point, a point which lies midway on the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoid.
    • It innervates the scalp in the lateral area of the head posterior to the ear.
    • Transverse cervical nerve - The transverse cervical nerve (superficial cervical or cutaneous cervical) arises from the second and third cervical nerves, turns around the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoideus about its middle, and, passing obliquely forward beneath the external jugular vein to the anterior border of the muscle, it perforates the deep cervical fascia and divides beneath the platysma into ascending and descending branches, which are distributed to the antero-lateral parts of the neck.
    • They emerge beneath the posterior border of the sternocleidomastoideus, and descend in the posterior triangle of the neck beneath the platysma and deep cervical fascia
    • There are two additional branches that are formed by the posterior roots of the spinal nerves:

  • Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis

    • The pituitary has two distinct regions: the anterior pituitary and the posterior pituitary.
    • The posterior pituitary receives signals via neurosecretory cells to release hormones produced by the hypothalamus.
    • The posterior pituitary is significantly different in structure from the anterior pituitary.
    • The posterior pituitary and the infundibulum together are referred to as the neurohypophysis.
    • Describe the hormones released by the anterior posterior pituitary and their effects on the body

  • Arteries of the Pelvis and Lower Limbs

    • At the most superior border of the greater sciatic foramen, the large opening to the rear of the pelvis, the internal iliac artery divides into anterior and posterior trunks.
    • The posterior trunk gives rise to arteries that supply the posterior pelvic wall and the gluteal region including the iliolumbar artery which supplies the psoas major muscle, the lateral sacral arteries and the superior gluteal artery.
    • The division of the internal iliac artery into its posterior and anterior trunks.

  • Muscles of the Humerus that Act on the Forearm

    • There are four muscles in the upper arm split into an anterior and posterior compartment.
    • The posterior compartment of the upper arm contains only one muscle.
    • As with the upper arm, the forearm is split into anterior and posterior compartments.
    • The posterior compartment of the forearm is split into superficial and deep regions.
    • Supinator - The supinator is located in the deep region of the forearm posterior compartment.

  • Glossopharyngeal (IX) Nerve

    • It receives general sensory fibers (ventral trigeminothalamic tract) from the tonsils, the pharynx, the middle ear, and the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
    • It receives special sensory fibers (taste) from the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
    • General sensory (general somatic afferent) - provides general sensory information from the skin of the external ear, internal surface of the tympanic membrane, upper pharynx, and the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.
    • Special sensory (special afferent) - provides taste sensation from the posterior 1/3 of the tongue.

  • Muscles that Cause Movement at the Ankle

    • Several muscles are located in the posterior compartment of the leg, typically grouped into superficial and basal groups.
    • Gastrocnemius- The gastrocnemius, a two-headed muscle, is the most superficial of the muscles in the posterior compartment.
    • Tibialis Posterior - The tibialis posterior is the deepest lying of the muscles in the posterior compartment.
    • Posterior view of leg showing muscles and tendons involved in ankle movement.

  • Ilium

    • It has an external and internal surface, a crest (illiac crest), and an anterior and posterior border.
    • The external surface is smooth and divided by three lines: the posterior, anterior and inferior gluteal lines.
    • The gluteus maximus originates from the external surface adjacent to the posterior gluteal line, the gluteus medius from adjacent to the anterior line, and the gluteus minimus from the inferior line.
    • The sacrospinalis and multifidus muscles of the back originate in the posterior.