Neurohormones

Question 1

Homeostasis

Answer 1

The maintenance of the body’s’ internal environment within narrow physiological range. The hypothalamus is prime regulator of homeostasis

Question 2

Neurohormones

Answer 2

A hormone such as vasopressin or noradrenaline produced by nerve cells and secreted directly into the blood circulation.

Question 3

Hypophysiotropic hormones

Answer 3

Are produced by endocrine cells in the hypothalamus, and released at a capillary bed called the median eminence. They are conveyed directly to the adenohypophysis (anterior pituitary) via the hypophyseal portal vessels.

Question 4

Hypothalamic-Pituitary portal circulation

Answer 4

Is a system of blood vessels in the microcirculation at the base of the brain, connecting the hypothalamus with the anterior pituitary. Its main function is to quickly transport and exchange hormones between the hypothalamus arcuate nucleus and anterior pituitary gland.

Question 5

Addison’s disease

Answer 5

A disorder that occurs when your body produces insufficient amounts of certain hormones produced by your adrenal glands. In Addison’s disease, your adrenal glands produce too little cortisol and often insufficient levels of aldosterone as well. A disease characterized by progressive anaemia, low blood pressure, great weakness, and bronze discoloration of the skin.

Question 6

Cushing’s syndrome

Answer 6

A metabolic disorder caused by overproduction of corticosteroid hormones by the adrenal cortex and often involving obesity and high blood pressure.