Hypothalamus Flashcards
How many major hormones does it produce?
3
What are the three major hormones produced by the hypothalamus?
ADH - Antidiuretic hormone
GnRH - Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone
Oxytocin
What is another name for ADH?
vasopressin
What type of hormone is ADH?
Protein hormone
What does ADH do?
Helps retain water by increasing the permeability of the distal tubule in the nephron
What does increasing the permeability of the distal tubule accomplish?
Increases the amount of water that is reabsorbed into the blood stream
What does ADH target?
Kidneys
Is ADH a target or non-target hormone?
Target
Does ADH give negative or positive feedback?
Negative
Where is ADH stores?
The pituitary gland
What kind of receptors are located in the pituitary gland?
Osmoreceptors
-> monitors water pressure in the body
When is ADH released?
When water levels/water balances are too low
What is the nick name for the hypothalamus?
“The master gland’s master”
What type of hormone is oxytocin?
Protein hormone
Other than a hormone what can oxytocin act as?
A neurotransmitter
What function of the brain does oxytocin help with?
The formation of memories
Where is oxytocin stored?
The pituitary gland
What causes the increase of amounts of oxytocin?
Increases gradually during pregnancy
When does the amount if oxytocin produced spike?
Right before and during birth
What effect does oxytocin have on the body
Causes muscular contractions in the uterus
What part of the body (other than the brain) does oxytocin effect?
The uterus
Does oxytocin give positive or negative feedback?
Positive feedback
Is oxytocin a target or non-target hormone?
Target
What is the chain of events created while giving birth? (7)
The head of the baby pushes on the cervix –> baroreceptors are set off –> sends a signal to the hypothalamus –> sends a signal to the pituitary gland –> releases oxytocin –> contraction occurs
The cycle continues until the baby is born
What type of hormone is GnRH?
Protein hormone
Does GnRH give negative or positive feedback?
Negative feedback
Is GnRH a target or non-target hormone?
Target
What does target?
Stimulates the pituitary gland
What hormones are released by the pituitary gland when stimulated by GnRH?
LH and FSH
When in the human life cycle is GnRH released?
When we hit puberty
