PITUITARY DISORDERS Flashcards
What is the other name for the pituitary gland?
Hypophysis
What is the name of the system of blood vessels connecting the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland?
Hypophyseal portal system
What is the other term for the anterior pituitary?
Adenohypophysis
Name the 7 hormones produced by the anterior pituitary
- GH (growth hormone)
- TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)
- LH (luteinizing hormone)
- FSH (follicle stimulating hormone)
- PRL (prolactin)
- ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone)
- MSH (melanocyte stimulating hormone)
What is the other name for the posterior pituitary?
Neurohypophysis
Name the 2 hormones secreted by the posterior pituitary
- Oxytocin
- ADH (antidiuretic hormone)
Why is the pituitary especially sensitive to changes in perfusion during pregnancy?
During pregnancy the pituitary gland increases in size without an increase in blood supply
What is the name of hypopituitarism secondary to an obstetric hemorrhage?
Sheehan syndrome
Why does Sheehan syndrome result in failure to lactate?
Decreased prolactin secretion
Why does Sheehan syndrome result in amenorrhea, infertility, and breast/vaginal atrophy?
Decreased LH and FSH secretion
Why does Sheehan syndrome result in hypothyroidism?
Decreased TSH secretion
Why does Sheehan syndrome result in low blood pressure and low blood sugar?
Decreased ACTH (adrenocorticotropic hormone) secretion > adrenal insufficiency > decreased glucocorticoids
What is the name of inability to concentrate urine secondary to insufficient ADH (antidiuretic hormone)?
Diabetes insipidus
What are 3 kinds of diabetes insipidus?
- Central DI
- Nephrogenic DI
- Psychogenic DI
Which type of DI is caused by a brain lesion interfering with ADH synthesis?
Central DI (vasopressin deficiency)