HPA Axis

Question 1

What is the HPA axis?

Answer 1

Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis

Form a functional unit that acts as link between endocrine and nervous system

Question 2

What are the parts of the pituitary gland?

Answer 2

Anterior pituitary gland

Posterior pituitary gland

Question 3

What is the neurocrine function of the posterior pituitary?

Answer 3

Stores and releases oxytocin and ADH

Question 4

What is the function of the anterior pituitary gland?

Answer 4

Target endocrine cells are stimulated by hypothalamus hormones

Endocrine cells of anterior pituitary produce and secrete hormones

Hormones have endocrine, paracrine and autocrine function

Question 5

What is the hypophyseal portal system?

Answer 5

Portal system between hypothalamus and anterior pituitary gland

Question 6

What hormones are produced by hypothalamus for release by posterior pituitary?

Answer 6

Oxytocin

ADH

Question 7

What hormones are produced in hypothalamus and act on anterior pituitary?

Answer 7

Thyroid releasing hormone (TRH)
Prolactin inhibiting hormone (PIH)
Corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH)
Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH)
Growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH)
Growth hormone-inhibiting hormone (GHIH - somatostatin)

Question 8

What hormones are produced by the anterior pituitary?

Answer 8

Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
Luteinising hormone (LH)
Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
Prolactin 
Growth hormone (GH)