Control Of Endocrine Section: The Vertebrate Pituitary

Question 1

The Hypothalamus and the Pituitary Gland

Answer 1

• The hypothalamus is the main route by which nervous system signals are transmitted to the vertebrate endocrine system.
• Hypothalamustransmitssignalstothe pituitary gland “master gland”.

Question 2

The Pituitary Gland Is Divided Into What Two Regions?

Answer 2

• anterior
• posterior

Question 3

Neurosecretory Cell

Answer 3

• Releases hormones into the blood stream.

Question 4

Neurosecretory cells -> posterior pituitary gland

Answer 4

• Yellow axons extend down
• Release hormones directly into the
  bloodstream.
• E.g. oxytocin, vasopressin (ADH)

Question 5

Neurosecretory cells -> anterior pituitary gland:

Answer 5

• Secrete hormones called releasing factors
  (hypothalamic neurosecretory hormone) into small blood vessels that travel to the anterior pituitary gland.
• E.g.corticotropin-releasinghormone [CRH] is released by yellow neurons in the hypothalamus
• Nonneural endocrine cells then secrete hormones from the anterior pituitary