Chapter Three: The Pituitary Gland and Its Hormones

Question 1

Pituitary alternate name

Answer 1

Hypophysis

Question 2

Pituitary

Answer 2

• Hangs below the brain
• In a bony area - gives little room for swelling
• 1cm all around
• “Master gland”
• 10 hormones secreted from it
• Controlled by the hypothalamus

Question 3

Anterior pituitary

Answer 3

True endocrine gland

Question 4

Posterior pituitary

Answer 4

Neural tissue, an extension of the hypothalamus

Question 5

Hormones secreted by anterior pituitary

Answer 5

GH, Beta Endorphin, ACTH, TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), LH/FSH, PRL (prolactin)

Question 6

Hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary

Answer 6

Oxytocin, vasopressin

Question 7

Growth Hormone (GH)

Answer 7

Promotes protein synthesis and carb metabolism; growth of bone and muscle

Question 8

Adrenocorticotopic Hormone (ACTH)

Answer 8

Stimulates glucocorticoid secretion from the adrenal cortex

Question 9

Thyroid stimulating hormone

Answer 9

Stimulates the release of T3 and T4 from the thyroid

Question 10

Prolactin (PRL)

Answer 10

Milk production and secretion of the mammary glands

Question 11

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

Answer 11

Follicle growth, estrogen and inhibin secretion

Sperm production and inhibin secretion in the testes

Question 12

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

Answer 12

Stimulates ovulation, formation of corpus lutea, progesterone secretion

Stimulates Leydig cells to secrete androgens

Question 13

Melanocte Stimulating Hormone (MSH)

Answer 13

Stimulates melanphores to darken skin colour in amphibia

Question 14

Beta Endorphin

Answer 14

Acts as a neuromodulator in the brain to regulate neurotransmitter release, possibly circulates analgesic

Question 15

Oxytocin

Answer 15

Stimulates uterine contraction and milk ejection

Question 16

Vasopressin/Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)

Answer 16

Elevates blood pressure and promotes reabsorption of water

Question 17

Neurophysins

Answer 17

Carrier proteins for oxytocin and vasopressin

Make sure hormones don’t get cleaved before reaching the target cell

Question 18

Proopiomelanocortin (POMC)

Answer 18

Prohormone for ACTH

Question 19

5 pituitary cell types

Answer 19

Gonadotrophs
Lactotrophs
Somatotrophs
Corticotrophs
Thyrotrophs