Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

Block 3 > Neuroendocrinology Guided Learning > Flashcards

Neuroendocrinology Guided Learning Flashcards

1
Q

What is the neuroendocrine system?

A

Connections between the CNS via the hypothalamus and pituitary gland that controls endocrine/hormonal function - coordination of activity maintains homeostasis controlling a range of behaviours inc. metabolism, energy homeostasis (intake vs usage), BP, fluid balance, circadian rhythms and reproduction

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What are the 4 main systems the hypothalamus interacts with to maintain bodily functions?

A

Homeostatic
Endocrine
Autonomic
Limbic system

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What does the hypothalamus do?

A

Integrates sensory info from internal environment of body from NS via circulating substances, blood and CSF as the BBB is leaky here and transmits the info to the brainstem and spinal cord to control activity of internal organs inc. driving rapid survival mechanisms like ‘fight and flight’ response whereas connections to and from limbic system and frontal regions allow higher functions (e.g. mood/memory) to influence homeostasis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What nuclei are medial of the hypothalamus?

A 
Medial preoptic
Dorsomedial
Ventromedial
Mamillary bodies
Anterior
Posterior
Supraoptic
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What are the 3 nuclei locations of the hypothalamus?`

A
  1. Periventricular
  2. Medial
  3. Lateral
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

How can the hypothalamus be divided along functional lines?

A
  1. Preoptic area
  2. Anterior (supraoptic) nuclei: primarily PS function (except PVN)
  3. Middle (tuberal) nuclei: controls thirst/feeding behaviours
  4. Posterior (mamillary) nuclei: controls S function (some PS too)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What nuclei are in each division of the hypothalamus if split functionally?

A
  1. Preoptic: medial preoptic
  2. Anterior (supraoptic): paraventricular, anterior, suprachiasmatic + supraoptic
  3. Middle (tuberal): dorsomedial, ventromedial + arcuate
  4. Posterior (mammillary): posterior + mamillary body
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What are the functions of the anterior nuclei group?

A
  1. Preoptic: BP, sex, arousal
  2. SON: osmoregulation
  3. SCN: diurnal rhythm
  4. PVN: stress responses, appetite, autonomic control
  5. AH: thermoregulation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the functions of the middle nuclei group?

A
  1. ARC: appetite, growth
  2. DMN: CV, GI function
  3. VMN: appetite, mood
  4. LH: thirst (zona incerta), mood
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What are the functions of the posterior nuclei group?

A
  1. PH: BP, thermoregulation
  2. DH: diurnal rhythm
  3. Mamillary: memory
  4. Tuberomammillary: SW cycle
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What might a patient that is asymptomatic EXCEPT hormonal problems have wrong with them?

A

Pituitary gland has been pushed out of the sella turcica by CSF (often found incidentally)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What are the anterior pituitary hormones and what do they do?

A
  1. ACTH -> adrenal gland produces A/NA + glucocorticoids
  2. TSH -> thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones
  3. GH -> liver produces somatomedins which act on bone, muscle + other tissues
  4. PRL -> mammary glands
  5. FSH/LH -> testes of male (Inhibin/Testosterone) + ovaries of female (Inhibin/Progesterone/Esttrogen)
  6. MSH -> melanocytes (uncertain significance in healthy adults)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the posterior pituitary hormones and what do they do?

A
  1. ADH/vasopressin -> kidneys to control H2O retention + BP through altering vessel resistance
  2. Oxytocin -> control sexual reproduction = SM in ductus deferens + prostate gland (males) + uterine SM + mammary glands to induce labour and milk production respectively (females)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

How do hormones get from the hypothalamus to the pituitary?

A
  1. Travel through median eminence then down infundibulum (stalk)
  2. 2 main pathways:
    - Tuberoinfundibular/tuberohypophyseal = anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) veins
    - Hypothalamohypophyseal = posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

How does the hypothalamus control the posterior pituitary?

A

DIRECTLY via axonal projections from magnocellular neurones in the PVN/SON which project to posterior pituitary and release ADH and oxytocin directly into systemic circulation on activation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How does the hypothalamus control the anterior pituitary?

A

INDIRECTLY as various hypothalamic nuclei send projections to portal systems and when these fibres are activated, they release releasing/inhibitory hormones which travel within the portal circulation down to plexus of vessels in anterior pituitary where they stimulate/prevent hormone release into systemic circulation

17
Q

What connects the arcuate nucleus (ARC) and pituitary gland? Why is this relevant?

A

Dopaminergic tuberoinfundibular pathway which inhibits PRL production inhibiting milk production and breast development so if DA is decreased by medication (e.g. antipsychotics), milk production and breast development will be stimulated as inhibitory PRL input has been decreased

18
Q

What are the 3 hypothalamic axes?

A
  1. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA): regulates stress response, digestion + immunity
  2. Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT): regulates general metabolic rate, growth + development
  3. Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal/ovarian (HPG/HPO): control reproduction, menstrual/ovarian cycles + spermatogenesis
19
Q

What hormones does the Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) release?

A

Hypothalamus: CRH, VP

Pituitary: ACTH

Adrenal gland: glucocorticoid, cortisol

20
Q

What hormones does the Hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) release?

A

Hypothalamus: TRH

Pituitary: TSH

Thyroid: thyroxine, triiodothyronine

21
Q

What hormones does the Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal/ovarian (HPG/HPO) release?

A

Hypothalamus: GnRH

Pituitary: FSH, LH

Gonads: oestrogen, testosterone

22
Q

The hypothalamus controls which division of the nervous system to maintain body homeostasis? It exerts it influence through which descending tracts?

A

ANS through the reticulospinal tract

23
Q

What nuclei are periventricular (i.e. next to CSF-filled ventricles)? Why?

A

Periventricular
Paraventricular
Suprachiasmatic
Arcuate nucleus

Related to input as SCN is on top of optic chiasm so it can integrate light into circadian rhythms whereas the ARC is at the base of the brain so its close to an area with compromised BBB allowing it to respond directly to blood-borne factors e.g. glucose to control/maintain glucose/energy balance

24
Q

What are the 2 main sites in the brain with a compromised BBB?

A
  1. Choroid plexi

2. Circumventricular organs (surrounding ventricles) inc. hypothalamic median eminence + area postrema in medulla

25
Q

How is the BBB compromised in the 2 specific areas on the brain? Why?

A

Capillary endothelial cells have fenestrations and lack tight junctions creating a leaky barrier allowing substances to pass easily between blood and brain but directionally from blood to CSF as tight junctions are present on the ependymal cells of these regions

26
Q

What symptoms will patients present with if the ventromedial (VMN) or lateral (LN) nuclei are damaged?

A

VMN = ‘satiety centre’ so damage leads to overeating and obesity

LN = ‘hunger centre’ so damage causes reduced food intake

27
Q

What is the function of the pituitary gland?

A

Releases endocrine hormones into blood stream to control activity of all the other organs in the body controlling metabolism, growth and reproduction

28
Q

How does the hypothalamus control the ANS?

A

Directly: acts on sympathetic and parasympathetic preganglionic neurons in the brainstem and spinal cord

Indirectly: interact with brainstem nuclei that control organ function

29
Q

What type of diabetes is associated with trauma?

A

DI

30
Q

What drug can be given to increase ADH/vasopressin levels?

A

Desmopressin mimics ADH/vasopressin (nasal spray or tablet)

Block 3 (40 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions