Hypothalamus & Pituitary - Quiz 2 Flashcards
What is the Hypothalamic Pituitary Axis?
Unit formed by hypothalamus & pituitary responsible for brain-endocrine interactions and control Gonads, Thyroid, and Adrenal glands
Which endocrine gland is considered the Master Gland?
Pituitary
How does the Hypothalamus work?
Coordinating Center
Gets signals from cortical inputs, autonomic function, environment, and endocrine feedback then delivers precise signals to the pituitary to release hormones influencing other endocrine systems
Where can the Pituitary Gland be found?
In the Sella tursica of the Sphenoid Bone
How is the Pituitary Gland divided?
- Anterior Pituitary (Adenohypophysis)
- Pars Intermedius
- Pars tubularis
- Neurohypophysis - Posterior Pituitary
Which part of the Pituitary Gland is highly vascular and does not secrete any hormones?
Pars Tuburalis
Which is the largest part of the Pituitary Gland?
Anterior Pituitary / Adenohypophysis
Which part of Pituitary Gland is present only up until Fetal Development?
Pars Intermedius
What makes the Anterior and Posterior Pituitary distinct?
Different connections to hypothalamus
Contain different cell types
Secrete different hormones
What are the main functions of the Hypothalmus?
- Produce Releasing and Inhibiting hormones that influence Anterior Pituitary
- Produces Oxytocin & ADH and stored in Posterior Pituitary
- Oversees ANS and helps stimulate Adrenal Medulla
How does the Anterior Pituitary connect to the Hypothalamus?
Portal Venous Network
Which hormones and glands does the Anterior Pituitary regulate?
FLATPIG
- *F** ollicle Stimulating Hormone - gonads
- *L** uteinizing Hormone - Ovaries
- *A** Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)
- *T** hyroid Stimulating Hormone
- *P** rolactin (PRL) - mammary
- *I** gnored - Melanocyte Stimulating Hormone
- *G** rowth Hormone - Somatotropic
What are the different cell types of the Anterior Pituitary
Somatotropes - most abundant (30-40%)
Corticoctropes (20%)
Thyrotropes (3-5%)
Gonadotropes (3-5%)
Lactotropes (3-5%)
What is the Posterior Pituitary made of?
Collection of Axonal Projections from the Hypothalamus
What are the functions of the Posterior Pituitary?
Receives Oyxtocin & ADH made in the Hypothalamus and secretes these hormones
Regulates Uterine Contraction & Water Balance
What supplies blood to the Hypothalamus?
Superior Hypophyseal Artery
What supplies blood to the Posterior Pituitary?
Inferior Hypophyseal Artery