Anatomy Flashcards
In which bone is the hypophyseal fossa?
Sphenoid bone
Where is the optic chiasm in relation to the pituitary gland?
Immediately above it
Which fibres from the optic nerve, nasal or temporal, cross over to the opposite side at the chiasm?
Nasal
What would be the resultant visual field defect due to pituitary gland enlargement?
Bitemporal hemianopia
Which is the larger of the two pituitary lobes?
Anterior
Which of the two pituitary lobes is glandular and manufactures numerous hormones?
Anterior
What is the function of the posterior pituitary?
Storage and secretion of hormones
Which lobe of the pituitary stains light and which stains dark under H&E staining?
Anterior - dark
Posterior - light
What are the main secretory cells of the posterior pituitary?
Magnocellular neurons
Which hormones does the posterior pituitary secrete?
Vasopressin (ADH) and oxytocin
What is the blood supply of the anterior pituitary gland?
Superior hypophyseal artery - branch of internal carotid artery
What is the blood supply of the posterior pituitary gland?
Inferior hypophyseal artery - branch of internal carotid artery
How does the hypothalamus communicate with the anterior pituitary?
Hypophyseal portal system
How does the hypothalamus communicate with the posterior pituitary?
Infundibulum
Between which vertebral levels is the thyroid gland found?
C5 to T1
Between which other structures is the thyroid gland found?
Between the thyroid cartilage and the 6th tracheal ring
Where does the isthmus lie in relation to the trachea?
Opposite the 2nd to 4th tracheal rings
Identify three strap muscles that overlie the thyroid gland
Sternothyroid
Sternohyoid
Omohyoid
What are the two nerves that supply the muscles of the vocal cords, and where are they in relation to the thyroid gland?
Recurrent laryngeal nerve - runs between trachea and oesophagus
Superior laryngeal nerve - runs beside the superior thyroid artery
From which major artery in the neck does the superior thyroid artery arise?
External carotid artery
From which artery does the inferior thyroid artery arise?
Thyrocervical trunk
Into which vein do the superior thyroid veins drain?
Internal jugular vein
Into which vein do the middle thyroid veins drain?
Internal jugular vein
Into which vein do the inferior thyroid veins drain?
Brachiocephalic veins
Where do most lymph vessels of the thyroid gland drain to?
Deep cervical group of lymph nodes
What is colloid?
Thyroid hormone bound to a glycoprotein
Where is colloid found?
Within the cavity of the follicles
Which cells produce calcitonin?
Parafollicular cells
What hormone is secreted by the parathyroid glands and what is its function?
Parathyroid hormone - stimulates osteoclast activity to enhance bone resorption
How are the adrenal glands peritonised?
Retroperitoneally
What are the two different parts of the adrenal gland called?
Outer - cortex
Inner - medulla
What is the embryological origin of the adrenal cortex?
Mesodermal epithelium
What is the embryological origin of the adrenal medulla?
Neuroectoderm
What is the arterial supply of the adrenal glands and from which larger vessels do they originate?
Superior suprarenal artery - Inferior phrenic artery
Middle suprarenal artery - abdominal aorta
Inferior suprarenal artery - renal artery
Into which vein does the suprarenal vein drain on the right side?
Inferior vena cava
Into which vein does the suprarenal vein drain on the left side?
Left renal or left inferior phrenic vein
What are the three zones of the adrenal cortex?
Outer - zona glomerulosa (thin)
Middle - zona fasciculata (thick)
Inner - zona reticularis (immediately adjacent to the medulla)
What is the main hormone type secreted by the zona glomerulosa?
Mineralocorticoids (e.g. aldosterone)
What is the main hormone type secreted by the zona fasciculata?
Glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisol)
What is the main hormone type secreted by the zona reticularis?
Androgens (e.g. DHEA)
How is the pancreas peritonised?
Retroperitoneally
Which arteries supply the pancreas?
Splenic artery, superior and inferior pancreaticoduodenal arteries
