Neuroendocrine control Flashcards
What is the primary role of the hypothalamus-pituitary unit?
Central regulator of endocrine function
What are the major neuroendocrine hormones produced by the hypothalamus?
Releasing hormones and regulatory neuropeptides
Releasing hormones include GnRH, GHRH, CRH, PRH, and TRH; regulatory neuropeptides include Somatostatin and Dopamine.
List the major hormones released from the posterior pituitary.
- Oxytocin
- Antidiuretic hormone (ADH)
What are the hormones released from the anterior lobe of the pituitary?
- PRL
- GH
- FSH
- LH
- ACTH
- TSH
Fill in the blank: The hypothalamus communicates to regulate endocrine function through _______.
[neurohormones and releasing hormones]
What are the functions of the hypothalamus?
- Control of body temperature
- Control of blood circulation/pressure
- Regulation of food and water intake
- Maintenance of homeostasis
True or False: All vertebrate brains contain a hypothalamus.
True
What are magnocellular neurons and their function?
Large neurons that secrete ADH and oxytocin
What are parvocellular neurons and their role?
Small neurons that secrete multiple releasing hormones
What are the small neurohormones produced by the hypothalamus?
- Antidiuretic Hormone (ADH)
- Oxytocin
What is the role of ADH in the body?
Conserves body water and regulates tonicity
What triggers the secretion of ADH?
Increased plasma osmolarity
What condition results from a lack of ADH secretion?
Diabetes insipidus
What is the role of oxytocin during lactation?
Ejects milk from lactating mammary glands
What effect does oxytocin have during parturition?
Enhances contraction of smooth muscle of the uterus
Fill in the blank: ADH stimulates the insertion of _______ into kidney tubules.
[aquaporins]
What are the effects of water deprivation on ADH secretion?
Increases ADH secretion, decreases water clearance, and increases water conservation
Identify the site of synthesis for oxytocin and ADH.
Hypothalamus
What is the function of releasing hormones from the hypothalamus?
Regulate function of the anterior pituitary
What is the osmotic threshold for ADH secretion?
Lower than for thirst
What stimulates ADH secretion in response to physiological changes?
Osmoreceptors in the hypothalamus
