pituitary Flashcards
Pituitary is the intersection of _____ and _____ .
Neuro and Endo
The hypothalamus and Pituitary form a unit and exert control over which glands : _____, _____, _____
thyroid, adrenals, gonads
What is the “axis” (HPA)
Hypothalamic pituitary axis
What is the HPA responsible for?
brain-endocrine interactions (neuro + endo)
Coordinating center for endocrine system.
Hypothalamus
The HPA consolidates signals from:
upper cortical inputs
autonomic function
environmental cues
peripheral endocrine feedback
Where is the Pituitary located?
in sphenoid bone in the area called the sella tursica
What are the 4 divisions?
- anterior pituitary (or adenohypophysis)
- Pars intermedius
- Pars tubularis
- Neurohypophysis
Which division is the largest?
anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis)
Which division is gone after fetal development?
Pars intermedius
Which division highly vascular and has no known hormones secreted?
Pars tubularis
Do the anterior and posterior pituitary communicate?
they are distinct from each other:
different connections to hypothalamus
different cell types
secrete different hormones
What is the Anterior Pituitary also called?
adenohypophysis
How is the Anterior Pituitary connected to the hypothalamus?
portal venous network
Anterior Pituitary is responsible for which glands?
thyroid, adrenal, mammary glands, growth hormone, gonads, and melanocytes
What are Somatotropes?
most abundant cell type of anterior pituitary, secrete growth hormone (GH)
What are Corticotropes?
cell of anterior pituitary that secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)
What are thyrotropes?
cell of anterior pituitary that secretes thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH)
What are Gonadotropes?
cell of anterior pituitary that secrete luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH/LH)
What are Lactotropes?
cells anterior pituitary that secrete Prolactin (PRL)
What is the posterior pituitary called?
neurohypophysis
Posterior pituitary is a collection of _____ _____ from the hypothalamus.
axonal projections
The only two hormones produced by the posterior pituitary are:
oxytocin and vasopressin (ADH)
What do oxytocin and vasopressin do?
regulate uterine contractions and water balance
Posterior Pituitary hormones are synthesized in the _____ .
hypothalamus
