Anterior Pituitary Gland

Question 1

Where does APG originate from?

Answer 1

Primitive Gut Tube with Epithelial origin

Question 2

What factor regulates cortisol synthesis?

Answer 2

ACTH

Question 3

What is role of ACTH and what happens if not enough?

Answer 3

1) Acts on adrenal glands to stimulate cortisol synthesis

If not enough: Shrink!

Question 4

What are glucocorticoids e.g. Cortisol released from and in response to?

Answer 4

Zona Fasciculata of Adrenal Cortex

Stress

Question 5

What are physiological functions of cortisol without stress?

Answer 5

1) Permissive action on smooth muscle cells around BV’s to maintain BP
2) Maintain enzyme concentration in metabolic homeostasis
3) Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Immune response by dampening immune response

Question 6

What regulates secretion of noradrenaline and adrenaline?

Answer 6

Produced in adrenal medulla

Autonomic innervation- Sympathetic

Question 7

What hormones do acidophils in anterior pituitary secrete?

Answer 7

1) Growth Hormone (Somatotroph)

2) Prolactin (Lactotroph)

Question 8

What hormones do basophils in APG secrete?

Answer 8

FSH, LH, TSH and ACTH

Corticotrophs, thyrotrophs and Gonadotrophs

Question 9

How does the anterior pituitary gland receive blood supply?

Answer 9

Portal venous circulation from hypothalamus

Question 10

Which hormone stimulates prolactin release from the APG in a different fashion to others?

Answer 10

Dopamine