Chapter 8 Flashcards
What is called the master gland
Pituitary gland
Where is the pituitary gland?
It lies just outside the blood brain barrier
What connects the pituitary gland and hypothalamus?
The pituitary stalk
What is the function of the median eminence of the pituitary stalk?
It contains vessels that form the hypothalamic pituitary portal system, which acts a gateway through the BBB. This pathway protects the brain from pituitary damage.
What are neuroendocrine cells?
They are cells found in the pituitary that release hormones into the bloodstream
What is the difference in hormone production between anterior and posterior pituitary?
The anterior pituitary contains neuroendocrine cells, and produces its hormones on-site, while the posterior pituitary brings in hormones from the hypothalamus.
What are the divisions of the pituitary gland?
Anterior and Posterior
What hormones does the posterior pituitary release into the bloodstream?
Oxytocin and Arginine vasopressin (AVP). These both are linked with social behaviors.
What hormones does the anterior pituitary gland produce and release into the bloodstream?
Tropic hormones.
What is the pathway that hormones in the posterior pituitary take before being released into the bloodstream?
Hypothalamus → oxytocin & vasopressin → median eminence (gateway through BBB) → pituitary stalk → posterior pituitary → activates receptors
What is the pathway that hormones in the anterior pituitary take before being released into the bloodstream?
Neuroendocrine cells in hypothalamus produce releasing hormones → median eminence →hypothalamic-pituitary portal system → anterior pituitary → tropic hormones released into body
What is negative feedback?
The output inhibits signals for further secretion.
What is positive feedback?
The output activates signals for further secretion.
