Hypothalamus & Pituitary

Question 1

What are the two cell bodes of the posterior pituitary that reside in the hypothalamus?

Answer 1

1) Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN)

2) Supraoptic Nucleus (SON)

Question 2

The posterior pituitary gland stores two hormones that are secreted via cell bodies in the hypothalamus; ADH and Oxytocin. What are their respective cell bodies, from which they are secreted, in the hypothalamus?

Answer 2

1) ADH: Supraoptic Nucleus (SON)

2) Oxytocin: Paraventricular Nucleus (PVN)

Question 3

What is the relationship between the hypothalamus and the posterior pituitary?

Answer 3

Neural connection

Question 4

What is the connection between the anterior pituitary and the hypothalamus?

Answer 4

Neural and Hormonal

Question 5

What is the connecction between the Posterior pituitary and the hypothalamus?

Answer 5

Hypophysial stalk

Question 6

What is the connection between the anterior pituitary and the hypothalamus?

Answer 6

Hypothalamic-Hypophysial portal vessels

Question 7

What is a primary endocrine disorder?

Answer 7

Low or high levels of hormone in the peripheral endocrine gland

Question 8

What is a secondary endocrine disorder?

Answer 8

Low or high levels of hormone due to defect in the pituitary gland

Question 9

What is a tetiary endocrine disorder?

Answer 9

Low or high levels of hormone due to defect in the hypothalamus

Question 10

A corticotroph in the anterior pituitary releases?

Answer 10

ACTH

Question 11

A Thyrotroph in the anterior pituitary releases?

Answer 11

TSH

Question 12

A Gonadotroph in the anterior pituitary releases?

Answer 12

FSH & LH

Question 13

A somatotroph in the anterior pituitary releases?

Answer 13

GH

Question 14

A lactotroph in the anterior pituitary secretes?

Answer 14

Prolactin

Question 15

GH stimulates the secretion and transcription of what product in the liver?

Answer 15

Somatomedin C (IGF-1; insulin like growth factor)

Question 16

The Internal Carotid Artery branches off and supplies what two arteries?

Answer 16

1) Superior Hypophyseal A.

2) Inferior Hypophyseal A.

Question 17

What is the function of the superior hypophyseal A. ?

Answer 17

Supplies the median eminence and the infundibulum (Connection between the posterior pituitary and the hypothalamus)

Question 18

What is the function of the inferior hypophyseal A. ?

Answer 18

It supplies the pars nervosa of the posterior pituitary

Question 19

What arteries give rise to the primary capillary plexus ( in the median eminence)?

Answer 19

The superior hypophyseal arteries

Question 20

Describe the flow of blood flow from primary capillary plexus

Answer 20

Primary plexus (derived from the superior hypophyseal arteries) –> hypophyseal portal veins –> secondary capillary plexus (supplies pars distalis; anterior pituitary)

Question 21

What is the third capillary plexus derived from and what does it supply?

Answer 21

1) Derived From: Inferior Hypophyseal A.

2) Supplies the Neurohypophysis

Question 22

What is the most common tumor affecting the HP axis in children?

Answer 22

Craniopharyngioma: Tumor can compress the optic chiasm

Question 23

What is Sheehan syndrome?

Answer 23

1) Pituitary Gland in pregnancy is enlarged and is more prone to infection
2) Pathology: Results in hypopituitarism due to necrosis of the pituitary gland. Patients will present with agalactorrhea & amenorrhea

Question 24

ADH acts on what type of receptors for the kidney and the blood vessels?

Answer 24

Kidneys: V2 receptors (reabsorption of water)

Blood Vessels: V1 receptors (Vasoconstriction)

Question 25

What is a result in regards to water balance with small-cell lung carcinoma?

Answer 25

Increased production of ADH (Schwartz-Bartter) syndrome

This can lead to Hyponatremic Encephalopathy