Hypothalamus and pituitary Flashcards
Where is the pituitary gland located?
At the base of the brain in a bony pocket called sella turcica.
How is the pituitary gland connected to the brain?
Stalk of tissue called the infundibulum containing nerves and special veins (long portal veins)
What are the parts of the pituitary gland?
Anterior lobe- pars distalis+ pars tuberalis
Posterior lobe- pars nervosa + pars intermedia
What are the 2 parts of the hypothalamus? What do they do?
- Nuclei: clusters of nerve cells bodies that synthesize hypothalamic RH that regulats secretion of hormone from the anterior pit. gland and 2 posterior pit gland hormones (ADH/ OT)
- Bottom portion: median eminence. Axon terminals containing hypothalamic RH. These RHs are secreted FIRST into capillaries of a portal system.
What hormones are produced by the posterior pituitary gland?
OT and ADH
Nerve axons at the posterior pituitary mainly come from? Where do they terminate?
2 nuclei in the hypothalamus- supraoptic nucleus and paraventricular nucleus
Near capillaries in the posterior pituitary. Stores and release hormones here.
Describe the structure of the pars nervosa of the posterior lobe
Neurosecretory nerve fibers from PV and SON
- Hypothalamohypopsheal T
What cell is associated with the pars nervosa of the posterior lobe of the pituitary
pituicytes
Function of pars nervosa of posterior lobe of pituitary
release of oxytoxin and ADH
What does oxytoxin do?
stimulates contraction of smooth muscle in pregnant uterus and myoepitherlial cells in mammary gland.
What does ADH do?
regulates body retention of water. Increases contracility of arterial smooth muscle to increase BP. Increase water reabsorption
Describe the structure of ADH and OT
nonapeptides with S-S, similar structures and overlapping activities
Describe the synthesis of ADH and OT
synthesized as much larger molecules (pro-), stored in granules with neurophysins I and II
Describe the secretion of ADH and OT
Secreted-when action potentials reach nerve terminals; analgous to neurotransmitter release secreted together with their respective neurophysins
What 2 things cause secretion of oxytocin?
dilation of cervix, suckling
What is the main stimuli of ADH?
decrease ECF volume (also increase osmolarity)
Where are osmoreceptors located?
hypothalamus: OVLT (SON and PVN?)
What does the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland do?
It MAY secrete MSH.
What major hormones are secreted by the anterior pituitary?
GH, PRL, ACTH, FSH, LH, TSH
Chemical nature of ACTH
peptide that is split from POMC (pro-opiomelancortin). 39 aa straight chain. C terminus has most antigenic activity.
Only 20 aa @ N-terminus needed for biological activity
What is ACTH1-24?
ACTH structure that has full activity
What is MSH do?
stimulates synthesis of melanin in melanocytes- darkens skin
Where is the structure of MSH? What does this cause?
lies within ACTH- excess ACTH causes hyperpigmentation
What hormones secreted by anterior pituitary are glycoproteins?
TSH, FSH, LH
What cells make up 15-20% of pituitary volume?
basophils