2 - The hypothalamus-adenohypophysial axis Flashcards
Where is the pituitary gland located?
Tiny structure attached to the base of the brain, under the hypothalamus.
Lies in a bony dip.
Saddle shape.
It is not part of the brain (it’s a different type of tissue)
What is the pituitary gland sometimes called?
Hypophosis
What are the 2 lobes of the pituitary gland?
Anterior lobe
Posterior lobe
What is the anterior lobe called?
Where does it grow from?
Adenohypophysis
(needs a blood supply)
Upward growth from buccal cavity
What is the posterior lobe called?
Where does it grow from?
Neurohypophysis
- Neural part (made of nerve axons)
Down growth from base of brain
What are hypothalamic nuclei?
A collection of neuronal cell bodies in the hypothalamus.
What is the region of median eminence do?
Border between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
Some neutron axons terminate here.
(Blood brain barrier)
How does circulation work between the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?
- Blood enters from superior hypophyseal artery.
- Blood enters the primary capillary plexus (fenestrated) in the median eminence.
- Blood drains through the long portal veins into second capillary plexus (fenestrated) in anterior pituitary. This is called a PORTAL NETWORK - blood from systemic circulation drains from one capillary network to another before returning to the heart.
- Blood flows out into venous system via cavernous sinus and leaves through jugular veins.
How many adenohypophysial cells are there?
5
What are the 5 adenohypophysial cells?
SOMATOTROPHS
LACTOTROPHS
THYROTROPHS
GONADOTROPHS
CORTICOTROPHS
What do SOMATOTROPHS produce?
Growth Hormone (Somatotrophin)
What do LACTOTROPHS produce?
Prolactin
What do THYROTROPHS produce?
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH, Thyrotrophin)
What do GONADOTROPHS produce?
Luteinising Hormone, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (LH and FSH)
What do CORTICOTROPHS produce?
AdrenoCorticoTrophic Hormone (ACTH, Corticotrophin)