10 - Hypothalamic and Pituitary Relationships and Biofeedback Pt. I Flashcards
The pituitary gland (hypophysis) is composed of the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) which is the _______ portion, and the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis) which is the ________ portion.
Epithelial
Neural
This is the physical connection between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
Hypophysial Stalk
Due to its anatomical location, tumors in the pituitary gland will expand and put pressure on the _______ nerves because of its close proximity to the _______ ______. It causes visual problems and dizziness.
Optic
Optic Chiasm
The posterior pituitary is derived from neural tissue. It is a collection of axons and nerve terminals whose cell bodies are located in the Hypothalamus within the ________ ________ and ________ ________.
Supraoptic Nucleus (SON) Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN)
What neuropeptides are secreted from the SON and PVN?
ADH (from SON)
Oxytocin (from PVN)
The communications between the hypothalamus and the anterior pituitary are ________ and ________.
Neural
Hormonal
***Remember, the connections between the hypothalamus and posterior pituitary are ONLY neural!
The anterior pituitary is a collection of endocrine cells derived from the primitive foregut. It secretes…
ACTH TSH FSH LH GH Prolactin
How is the hypothalamus connected to the anterior pituitary?
Via the Hypothalamic-Hypophysial Portal blood vessels
The Hypothalamic-Hypophysial Portal system can transport hypothalamic-releasing hormones or release-inhibiting hormones DIRECTLY to the anterior pituitary in (LOW/HIGH) concentrations. Hormones do not appear in (LOW/HIGH) concentrations in systemic circulation.
High
High
Hormone families of the anterior pituitary are organized by structural and functional homology. What are these families?
ACTH family — Corticotrophs secrete ACTH
TSH, FSH, LH family — Thyrotrophs secrete TSH; Gonadotrophs secrete FSH and LH
GH, Prolactin family — Somatotrophs secrete GH; Lactotrophs secrete Prolactin
What hormone from the hypothalamus targets Thyrotrophs in the anterior pituitary to secrete TSH?
TRH (Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone)
What hormone from the hypothalamus targets Corticotrophs in the anterior pituitary to secrete ACTH?
CRF (Corticotropin Releasing Factor)
What hormone from the hypothalamus targets Gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary to secrete LH and FSH?
GnRH (Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone)
What hormone from the hypothalamus targets Somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary to secrete GH?
GHRH (Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone)
What hormone from the hypothalamus targets Somatotrophs in the anterior pituitary to inhibit the secretion of GH?
Somatostatin (GHIH - Growth Hormone Inhibiting Hormone)
What hormone from the hypothalamus targets Lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary to secrete Prolactin?
TRH (elevated)
***Remember, Prolactin is the only hormone that under normal conditions is being inhibited.
What hormone from the hypothalamus targets Lactotrophs in the anterior pituitary to inhibit secretion of Prolactin?
PIF (dopamine)
Activity of endocrine axes are maintained around a set point that is maintained by _______ _______ mechanisms.
Negative feedback
Hypothalamic hormones are often secreted in a pulsatile manner and are entrained to _______ _______.
Circadian rhythms
What is a primary endocrine disorder?
Low or high levels of hormone due to defect in the peripheral endocrine gland.
What is a secondary endocrine disorder?
Low or high levels of hormone due to defect in the pituitary gland.
What is a tertiary endocrine disorder?
Low or high levels of hormone due to defect in the hypothalamus.
What are the anterior pituitary axes?
Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonad (HPG) Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Liver Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Prolactin Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Thyroid Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal
Describe the HPG axis.
Hypothalamus secretes GnRH, which stimulates Gonadotrophs in the anterior pituitary to release LH and FSH.
In females, LH induces Theca cells to produce Androgens and FSH induces Granulosa cells to produce Progesterone and Estrogen.
In males, LH induces Leydig cells to produce Testosterone and FSH induces Sertoli cells to produce Androgen-binding protein and spermatogenesis.
What is the negative feedback mechanisms for the HPG axis in males?
Testosterone (from Leydig cells) will inhibit the release of LH from the anterior pituitary, and inhibit the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus.
Inhibin is secreted from Sertoli cells to inhibit the release of FSH from the anterior pituitary.
What is the negative feedback mechanisms for the HPG axis in females?
Estrogen and Progesterone (from Granulosa cell) will inhibit the release of LH and FSH from the anterior pituitary, and inhibit the release of GnRH from the hypothalamus.
Inhibin is secreted from Granulosa cells to inhibit the release of FSH from the anterior pituitary.