Hyp Hyp Histo

Question 1

Name the two magnocellular nuclei and what each secretes.

Answer 1

In the hypothalamus, Magnocellular Nuclei contain neurons. These neurons have axons that extend into the posterior pituitary lobe and secrete hormones directly into circulation.

Supraoptic Nucleus: secretes ADH
Paraventricular Nucleus: secretes oxytocin

Question 2

From what embryologic tissue is each lobe of the pituitary gland derived?

Answer 2

Anterior: oropharyngeal ectoderm, a fingerlike projection called Rathke’s Pouch

Posterior: neural ectoderm, a fingerlike projection from the diencephalon

Question 3

Name the 3 parts of the Anterior Pituitary Gland.

Answer 3

1. Pars Distalis: makes up the anterial wall of Rathkes pouch
2. Pars Intermedia: makes up the posterior wall of Rathkes pouch
3. Pars Tuberalis: forms a tube around the infundibulum and makes up the lateral wall of Rathkes Pouch

Question 4

Name the 2 parts of the Posterior Pituitary Gland.

Answer 4

1. Pars Nervosa: includes the axon endings

2. Infundibulum: contains the magnocellular axons

Question 5

Name the 3 types of basophils in the anterior pituitary.

Answer 5

Gonadotropes
Thyrotropes
Corticotropes

Question 6

Name the 2 types of acidophils in the anterior pituitary.

Answer 6

Somatotropes

Lactotropes

Question 7

Function of Pituicytes and the stain used to identify them.

Answer 7

Glial cells found in the posterior pituitary. GFAP positive (like astrocytes)

Question 8

What are Herring Bodies?

Answer 8

Seen on histology slides of the posterior pituitary. They are Neurosecretory vesicles containing hormones that accumulate in the axon terminals until a stimulus signals release.

Question 9

What are Corpora Aranacea

Answer 9

Brain Sand: calcified masses in the pineal gland that occur as patients age.

Question 10

Hormone secreted by the pineal gland and its major function.

Answer 10

Melatonin: regulates circadian rhythm

Question 11

Consequence of destruction of the pineal gland.

Answer 11

Precocious (early) puberty